1804 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-7. Rarity-4. Small/Large 8. Unc Details--Altered Surfaces (PCGS).A highly desirable and visually appealing coin despite the stated qualifier, both sides exhibit vivid deep gold patina with blushes of reddish-rose iridescence around the obverse periphery. The strike is well centered and boldly executed, and the luster is full and softly frosted despite a touch of haziness that betrays an attempt at visual enhancement. BD-7 represents the final use of this readily identifiable obverse die, which is a dramatically repunched date. It is the most available die marriage of the 1804 half eagle, although with only 100 to 150 coins believed extant in all grades BD-7 is scarce in an absolute sense. The present relatively affordable Mint State example would do equally well in a type set or specialized early gold collection.
