1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-8. Rarity-5+. Narrow Date, 3 Berries. EF-40 (PCGS). A sharp example of this iconic key-date with smooth surfaces and considerable luster on both sides. The attractive olive-gold complexion is complemented by subtle hints of peach and violet toning in the protected areas. Nicely centered and evenly defined, with strong denticles at the borders. Only the most trivial marks are noted under magnification and the eye appeal remains superior for this grade level. <p>One of 8,707 half eagles struck of the date and design type in the first year of gold coinage at the Philadelphia Mint. Though the <em>Guide Book</em> offers but one listing for the date, the Bass-Dannreuther reference lists a dozen minor varieties. Great demand is placed on this date by type collectors who enjoy first-of-kind dates as well as by early half eagle specialists, especially in lustrous, problem-free condition. The BD reference notes that as few as 30 to 40 examples of BD-8 may have survived, certainly worth noting by the advanced die variety collectors among our bidders. The obverse die was used in additional 1795 die marriages, including the unique BD-13 variety with the Heraldic Eagle reverse in the National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian Institution. The reverse die was used to coin one of the great rarities of the series, the 1798 Small Eagle Reverse variety, struck later than this initial appearance of the reverse die.<p> From the Naples Bay Collection. From the Naples Bay Collection.
