1812 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-3. Wide 5 D. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. Even and vibrant lemon-yellow patina paints this exceptional Near-Gem, complemented by intense luster on each side. The fields are slightly reflective and contrast the more richly frosted design elements. A raised, curved die line across the upper reverse shield is as-made and serves as an easy diagnostic for this Wide 5 D variety. Popular in commerce, half eagles saw extensive use both domestically and abroad. Die life had improved by 1812, so that the entire reported mintage of 58,057 coins was accomplished from only two die pairings (and this is likely an underestimate of the true quantity struck). These two pairings are readily identified by examining the reverse: BD-1, as here, has a very widely spaced 5 D, while BD-2 has the denomination compact. BD-1 forms the bulk of the production with maybe 45,000 to 60,000 pieces struck from this die par alone, with 10,000 to 15,000 examples coined for BD-2. Even with this fairly substantial mintage, because of mass speculation and melting during the 1820s, less than 1% survive to this day. John W. Dannreuthers (2006) estimate on the number of BD-1 survivors is in the range of 300 to 450 coins. This example is among the finest of these survivors, with just 14 coins certified higher by PCGS. From the Harrington Collection.
