1803 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-3, Taraszka-28. Rarity-4. Small Reverse Stars. Unc Details--Cleaned (PCGS). With superior eye appeal relative to the stated qualifier, this 1803 eagle is worthy of careful bidder consideration. Vivid medium gold surfaces reveal ample evidence of a vibrant satin to semi-reflective finish. Libertys hair curls and the eagles plumage are remarkably sharp with virtually full striking detail. The borders are also boldly denticulated in most areas, while accuracy alone compels us to mention bluntness of detail to a few of the obverse stars and the eagles left (facing) talon. A few extremely faint hairlines are present to explain the PCGS qualifier, but they are easily overlooked. Solid technical merit and strong visual appeal are sure to appeal to astute numismatists and secure a solid bid for this rather pleasing 1803 eagle.The Philadelphia Mint is thought to have struck at least 15,017 eagles bearing the 1803 date, though this is not precisely known given die reuse was very common in the early years of the Mint. This small production run required six known die pairs, four bearing the Small Stars reverse, as here, and two bearing a reverse that employed Large Stars. The BD-3 die marriage turned out to be the most resilient coining an estimated 7,500 to 10,000 of the total mintage, even though it required the use of a reverse die first used two years earlier. Even though this is the most frequently encountered variety, the BD-3 is by no means a common coin; Bass-Dannreuther estimate that 150 to at most 200 pieces remain in numismatic channels today. An impressive specimen of a scarcer early eagle issue. From the Macon Collection.
