1800 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-2. Rarity-3+. Blunt 1. MS-62 (PCGS).This is a lovely semi-prooflike half eagle with modestly reflective fields supporting smartly impressed, satiny devices. The overall strike is full, border denticulation is complete around both sides, the individual strands in Libertys hair are crisp, and much of the eagles plumage is sharp. The surfaces are predominantly medium gold with pale silvery overtones and subtle pinkish-rose highlights. It is very nice for the assigned grade, and sure to find its way into an advanced gold cabinet.<p>In the 2006 reference <em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die State, 1795-1834</em>, John W. Dannreuther estimates that the Mint struck 15,000 to 30,000 half eagles from 1800-dated dies. Although widely regarded as a type issue in the Capped Bust Right series, we caution bidders that the 1800 is scarce in an absolute sense, as are most pre-1834 U.S. gold issues. Those that are not scarce are rare. Only 175 to 250 examples of BD-2 are believed extant in all grades, underscoring the significance of this offering for Mint State type collectors and early half eagle enthusiasts.<p>From the Beasley Collection.
