1803/2 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-3. Rarity-4. Imperfect T, 3 Free Of Bust. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. A superior Choice example with incredibly smooth surfaces and remarkable definition throughout. The fields are silky and considerably reflective, imparting an attractive cameo against the more richly frosted devices. A natural flaw in the planchet at the L of LIBERTY is well hidden and serves as a convenient pedigree marker. Fully without distracting abrasions and a true treat to examine in-hand. This coin displays a fantastic example of die reuse, as all known half eagles struck in 1803 bear the 1803/2 overdate. As with the 1802/1, the recutting failed to obliterate the underlying digit on both known obverse dies, making it plainly visible to the unaided eye. There are four known varieties of the half eagles struck in 1803, all of which show the 3 over 2 overdate clearly. It is one of the more available issues of this early type thanks to its moderate mintage of 33,506 coins. Noted expert John Dannreuther believes between 125 and 175 examples of the present BD-3 variety exist today in all grades. Numismatists are fortunate in that a decent number of Mint State specimens are known, in spite of the half eagle serving as the workhorse gold coin in the early Republic. Even so, most of these are in grades of MS-63 and lower, stressing the significance of the present near-Gem. Approval by CAC surely adds additional appeal. From the Harrington Collection.
