1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, Taraszka-14. Rarity-5+. Small Obverse Stars. MS-61 (PCGS). Semi-prooflike in finish, both sides retain appreciable reflectivity in the fields. Deep rose-gold patina dominates, although we note deeper orange iridescence at the peripheries. Wispy hairlines are noted for accuracy, but these are easily missed and there are no sizable or singularly mentionable marks. Indeed, the appearance of this coin is quite smooth for the assigned grade. The strike is generally bold and the overall eye appeal is quite strong.The 1799 issue is one of the more extensive of the early eagles making it particularly popular for type purposes. The issue is divided into two primary varieties, the Small Stars Obverse and the Large Stars Obverse. Eight die marriages have been identified for the Small Stars variety, and even though there are only two known pairings for the Large Stars, they represent the sizable chunk of the estimated 37,449 pieces struck bearing the 1799 date. The BD-2 pairing is considerably scarcer; the 2006 Bass-Dannreuther reference provides an estimate of just 35 to 45 survivors from an approximate mintage from these dies of 1,500 to 2,000 coins. Even though there is a decent population of Mint State specimens of all the Small Stars Obverse die marriages, this specimen is likely near the top for the BD-2 die pair. A significant offering of a very scarce die pair. From the Macon Collection.
