A smooth, satiny example dressed in wonderfully original orange-rose patina. Both the quality of strike and level of surface preservation are exceptional for a half eagle of this challenging early design type.By 1810, half eagles were struck in substantial quantities to serve the ever-growing demand for gold. Four die marriages are known from four separate obverse dies and three reverse dies. An estimated 20,00 to 30,000 coins were produced from this pair evidently on at least two separate occasions, according to Bass and Dannreuther. Much like most of the early half eagles, large numbers were melted down, leaving precious few surviving pieces. While the BD-1 variety is the second most common die pair, it is significantly scarcer in all grades than the Large Date Large 5 BD-4 die marriage. Somewhere around 150 to 200 or so specimens are estimated to exist in numismatic channels. Among these scant few coins, very few examples can challenge the present coin in terms of overall quality and eye appeal, an assertion that is bolstered by the CAC approval. An eye catching piece destined for the finest of half eagle cabinets.,,PCGS# 8106. NGC ID: 25PE.,PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (both MS-65).,
