1804 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-5. Rarity-6+. Small/Large 8. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.Here is an exceptional quality example of this highly elusive variety in the Capped Bust Right half eagle series. Both sides possess full, frosty mint luster. The surfaces are pleasing as well with minimal signs of handling and only two shallow scuffs in the right obverse field rising to the level of mention. Boldly struck with formidable definition on the obverse stars, the tresses of Libertys hair, and throughout the eagles plumage. Trace adjustment marks (as made) are seen on the shield. BD Die State a/k.<p>The 1804 BD-5 represents the first of three uses of this obverse die, which is readily identifiable by the large digit 8 overpunched with a smaller 8; the digits 1 and 4 are also repunched. The reverse is B of the 1803-dated issue, here in its final use. This die pairing is rare, with an estimated 15 to 18 examples extant from a mintage of only 2,000 to 3,000 coins (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006). The finest is the magnificent Baldenhofer-Norweb-Harry Bass Core Collection specimen in PCGS MS-66 that realized $288,000 in Heritages August 2023 sale. The present example also qualifies as Condition Census for these dies, and will be a perfect addition to another world-class early gold cabinet.PCGS# 8086. NGC ID: BFXB.PCGS Population (all die marriages of the Small/Large 8 variety): 10; 15 finer (MS-66 finest).<p>CAC Stickered Population: 1; 4.From the Chicago Collection. Earlier from our Baltimore Auction of March 2012, lot 4301; Heritages Dallas Signature Auction of November 2018, lot 3227; Legend Rare Coin Auctions sale of the Naples Collection, Part II, January 2022 Regency Auction 50, lot 215.
