A more affordable example of this highly elusive and extremely challenging early half eagle type. Solid AU detail includes more or less sharp central definition with the balance of the design elements suitably bold. Scattered marks are noted, most of which are singularly inconspicuous, a curious matte-like texture more closely associated with the PCGS qualifier. Warm, even, olive-gold patina blankets both sides and enhances the coins appearance. BD Die State b/d.Until 1829, all gold coins were struck using a press that employed an open collar. In that year, the Philadelphia Mint introduced a press with a close collar that could also be used to impart edge reeding. This innovation allowed coins to be struck at a consistent and slightly smaller diameter. At the same time, more half eagles were produced than in previous years, with a reported production figure of 193,530 pieces minted in 1833 of all varieties. There are two prominent varieties of 1833 half eagle, the Large Date, as here, and the Small Date, both of approximately equal rarity. All of the Large Date pieces were struck from a single die pair, Bass-Dannreuther 1, with the numerals in the date widely spaced. While the 1833 Large Date half eagle is one of the more available of the series, this is more an academic point as all Capped Head Left half eagles are well known rarities. Rampant speculation in gold had made the coins intrinsic worth greater than their stated value, making them clear targets for melting. Many early gold coins ended up overseas where speculators could make a tidy profit selling the coins for bullion value, hence depleting the supply of gold coins in domestic circulation. In mid-1834, Congress took action by reducing the fineness as well as the weight of all gold coins. The new coins circulated widely. Meanwhile the "old tenor" half eagles were not only withdrawn gradually from circulation by the Mint for recoining into "new tenor" Classic Head half eagles, but also continued to have a premium attached to them resulting in their exodus overseas and eventual melting. Nowadays, the inclusion of any Capped Head Left half eagle is a mark of achievement. The present coin is a more than suitable example of a very scarce type, just right for the budget-conscious specialist.,,PCGS# 8157. NGC ID: 25RJ.,,
