1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. AU-53 (NGC). Vividly toned in honey-gold and reddish-rose, this desirable piece also displays bold to sharp striking detail to most design elements. A touch of glossiness and some wispy hairlines are noted for accuracy, although there are no sizable marks in any of the prime focal areas. BD Die State b/b.<p>With 600 to 800 coins believed extant, 1801 BD-2 is a very available die marriage in the Capped Bust Right eagle series, and is immensely popular for advanced gold type purposes. Variety enthusiasts should take note that this is the earliest die pairing in the series with large, thin stars on the obverse. The large, thick star device punch introduced with the obverse die of the 1799 BD-9 variety obviously broke before preparation of this die, which was completed using a large, thin star replacement punch.<p>The obverse and reverse dies of this variety proved unusually hardy by the standards of the early eagle series, both striking 30,000 to 40,000 coins in this pairing and the reverse going on to produce an additional 7,500 to 10,000 coins in the 1803 BD-3 marriage. Since neither die seem to have suffered any extensive damage, the reasons for their eventual withdrawal from production remain a mystery. This is a desirable About Uncirculated early eagle with much to recommend it to advanced gold enthusiasts.
