A touch of pale olive iridescence enhances otherwise bright deep gold patina. Much of the original finish remains, the texture satin to semi-reflective as produced and particularly vibrant on the reverse. The obverse is ever so slightly drawn toward the lower right, while the reverse is expertly centered in strike. All devices are boldly to sharply defined on both sides. With its uncommonly smooth appearance for a Choice AU early eagle this coin is sure to please even the most discerning numismatists.The 1798/7 BD-1 is one of the most popular and eagerly sought varieties in the early eagle series. The experts at <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> have adopted John W. Dannreuthers estimate of only 80 to 100 coins extant. The popularity of BD-1 stems largely from the obverse star arrangement of nine left, four right, which is unique for the pre-1834 gold series in its entirety (quarter eagles, half eagles, and eagles). Whether one is an early eagle die variety specialist or an advanced gold type collector, the acquisition of this particularly attractive Stars 9x4 eagle will certainly be memorable.This coin represents BD Die State b/b for the variety, the obverse with only a single crack from the border through the letter L in LIBERTY and into the hair just below the cap. The reverse is more lightly cracked through the tops of the letters UN and TED in UNITED.,,PCGS# 8560.,PCGS Population: 6; 8 finer, five of which are Mint State (MS-62+ finest).,From the Edgar B. Lupfer Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of the Gaston DiBello Collection, Part II, May 1970, lot 1024. Lot tag included.
