1800 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, Taraszka-23, the only known dies. Rarity-3+--Possible Flip Over Double Strike--AU-53 (PCGS). A sharp survivor from the dawn of the 19th century with considerable mint luster remaining in the protected areas. Overall bold at center and well composed in the fields. A thin mark in the right obverse field serves as a convenient pedigree marker, and traces of planchet adjustment are noted at ST of STATES on the reverse.<p>An area of curvy depressions in the shield exhibit intriguing similarity to Libertys lower hair curls on the obverse. These features are certainly as-made and do not resemble clashing or any recognized feature of this reverse die. Considered alongside the broadly doubled denticles at the left wingtip, we are tempted to attribute this as a flip-over double strike. Confirming this, however, will require significant study and analysis. To help visualize this proposed error, we have included a graphic overlay among the images for this lot on our website. We previously offered a distinctly double struck example from these dies in our November 2004 sale of the Frog Run Farm Collection, which demonstrates a clear precedent for such blunders among this issue. Certainly a compelling specimen for the advanced Capped Bust gold collector or specialist in early US Mint Errors.<p>A single pair of dies was used to produce the entire 1800 eagle issue using a reverse die first used for the 1799 BD-10 pairing, then later in 1801 for the BD-1 variety. The total figures produced are not known for certain; the Mint reported 5,999 eagles were delivered in calendar year 1800, though the number of surviving specimens plus the existence of a die remarriage that took place after the 1801 BD-1 coins were struck strongly suggest that perhaps double that number of 1800-dated coins were ultimately struck in 1800 and 1801 combined. Even with the mass meltings that took place with all early gold coins to which the 1800 eagle was not immune, as few as 200 specimens are believed to exist in all grades. This problem-free AU is certainly among the more desirable survivors. From the Naples Bay Collection. From the Naples Bay Collection.
