This sharply defined early eagle is sure to appeal to budget minded type collectors and early gold enthusiasts. Both sides are bright with wispy hairlines explaining the PCGS qualifier, while there are a few light scrapes along the bottom of Libertys bust and at the eagles breast above the shield. Vivid medium gold color enhances the visual appeal, as do subtle pale rose peripheral highlights that are particularly pronounced on the reverse.This variety represents the first of two marriages for the obverse die (followed by 1799 BD-8) and the second of two uses for the reverse die (preceded by 1799 BD-6). Interestingly, numismatic researchers have confirmed that all known examples of 1799 BD-8 were struck in between various die states of 1799 BD-7. The coin offered here, attributed as BD Die State d/d, represents a later obverse die state and was struck after the 1799 BD-8 coins in a remarriage of the BD-7 dies. Die cracks are noted through stars 1 to 8 and, more prominently, from the upper border through the letter E in LIBERTY. Yet another crack involves the letters IBERTY and the following stars. None of these cracks are evident on any of the 1799 BD-8 coins known to students of early eagle varieties.With perhaps as many as 350 coins extant, BD-7 is one of the more readily obtainable die marriage for the 1799-dated issue. The separate listing in the <em>Guide Boo</em><em>k</em> for the Small Obverse Stars variety keeps demand strong, however, and examples seldom remain on the open market for long. While not perfect, this crisp AU coin will certainly find many eager bidders.,,PCGS# 98562.,,From the Edgar B. Lupfer Collection.
