This is a vibrant and vivid example with captivating satin to semi-reflective surfaces. Libertys portrait and much of the reverse eagle are sharply struck and crisp, the only mentionable softness of detail confined to some of the obverse stars. The overall appearance is uncommonly smooth for an early eagle in this grade, although accuracy does compel us to mention a few wispy marks in the upper left obverse field and near the lower right border around star 13.BD-2 is the more readily obtainable of the two die marriages known for the 1801 eagle, and also the most frequently encountered in the entire Capped Bust Right series of 1795 to 1804. The present example is quite unusual, however, and is sure to catch the eye of an advanced early gold variety collector. All of the 1801 BD-2 eagles that this cataloger has handled over the years -- and there have been quite a few -- display nine raised, vertically oriented spines within Libertys cap, around the wave of hair that crosses that design element. The late Harry W. Bass, Jr., renowned early gold collector and variety specialist, owned three examples of this variety, his notes for which include the observation, "Nine vertical spines in cap." The coin offered here, on the other hand, does not displays these spines. With neither clashing nor lapping evident on either side, this coin corresponds to BD Die State a/a of the variety, the absence of the vertical spines likely placing it among the earliest pieces struck from this die. This extremely early die state is not listed in the 2006 Bass-Dannreuther early gold variety book, increasing the appeal of this coin for specialists. Of course, the relatively plentiful nature of this variety will also recommend this lovely Choice AU to the collector of high grade type coins. Regardless of the focus of the next collection in which it is included, this early eagle will certainly be a highlight.,,PCGS# 8564.,,From the Edgar B. Lupfer Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) sale of the Gaston DiBello Collection, Part II, May 1970, lot 1027. Lot tag included.
