1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-4. Rarity-5. EF Details--Mount Removed (NGC).With all devices fully outlined and some bolder detail remaining in the recessed areas of the design, this more affordable early half eagle will appeal to budget minded type collectors as well as early gold variety specialists. Faint traces of original luster are noted in the protected areas around many of the peripheral devices. A glossy, somewhat matte-like appearance on both sides combines with the stated qualifier to suggest this coins former use as a jewelry piece. The coin is retoning rather nicely in light honey-gold, and some iridescent rose adds further appeal. As the first gold coin struck in the United States Mint, the popularity of the 1795 Small Eagle five knows no bounds in numismatic circles. Survivors are eagerly sought at all levels of preservation, and the coin offered here has the added distinction of being the scarce BD-4 variety. According to John W. Dannreuther (2006), only 60 to 75 examples of this variety are extant in all grades.
