1823 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. MS-61 (PCGS).；The lovely deep gold patina of this Mint State half eagle is highlighted by glints of copper-rose iridescence in the protected areas around some of the devices. The finish is fully prooflike, and the appreciably reflective fields form a nice backdrop to satiny devices. Boldly defined over most design elements, this is a premium quality coin for the assigned grade that would be a significant addition to an advanced gold type set.<p>After 1820 there were no gold coins in domestic circulation. These cost more than face value to produce and were treated as bullion. Most were shipped to Europe and melted. Representative William B. Rochester of New York stated in the Report of the Select Committee of February 5, 1823, "It is believed that the gold coins, both foreign and domestic, have been almost wholly exported. They have certainly been withdrawn from circulation to such an extent that some very intelligent writers have asserted, with every probability of being correct, that there is not now in the United States one gold coin for every thirty that were in the country five years ago." Mintage figures for even the popular half eagle dropped, based on depositors demand. The reported production figure for 1823 is 14,485 half eagles, though it is possible as many as 20,000 were actually coined. Of these, at most 100 exist today, primarily at the AU grade level and below. Numismatists who collect half eagles by date should take notice when this Mint State example crosses the block.；From our (Stacks) sale of June 1979, lot 46. Lot tag included.
