1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. MS-63 (NGC).Breathtakingly beautiful deep gold surfaces yield to brighter golden-yellow as the surfaces dip into a light. A few blushes of pale rose iridescence are also evident here and there on the obverse, mostly around the periphery. The strike is ideally centered with sharp to full definition throughout the design. Otherwise satin to softly frosted in texture, we note subtle semi-reflective tendencies in the reverse field that further enhance already memorable eye appeal. Outstanding Choice quality for this scarce and conditionally challenging early gold design type.The reported mintage of eagles for calendar year 1801 is 44,344 pieces. Through the study of die states, however, numismatic scholars have determined that some 1800-dated coins were struck after those of the 1801 BD-1 variety (both share the same reverse). As such, the reported mintage for calendar year 1801 likely includes some coins dated 1800, and possibly also some dated 1799. With 600 to 800 coins believed extant from an estimated mintage of 30,000 to 40,000 pieces for the variety, in fact, 1801 BD-2 is actually the most plentiful early eagle die marriage. Mint State survivors are scarce, of course, as the demand for them is great among high quality type collectors and early gold enthusiasts. Strong bids are encouraged for bidders seeking to add this lovely MS-63 example to their holdings.NGC Census (both die varieties of the issue): 41; 25 finer in this category (MS-65 finest).
