1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. MS-62+ (PCGS). This lovely Mint State example possesses vivid color in a blend of deep olive and golden-orange. Both sides are intensely lustrous, as well, with an otherwise satiny finish that yields to appreciable semi-reflective tendencies in the fields. Apart from softness at the lower left obverse and upper left reverse (stars 1 and 2 on the former side are particularly blunt), striking detail is razor sharp to full and impressive in a large size coin from the earliest years of U.S. Mint operations. Ideally centered on the planchet, as well, with only faint, wispy handling marks precluding a higher Mint State rating. BD Die State b/b.<p>The reported mintage of eagles for calendar year 1801 is 44,344 pieces. Through the study of die states, however, numismatic scholars have determined that some 1800-dated coins were struck after those of the 1801 BD-1 variety (both share the same reverse). As such, the reported mintage for calendar year 1801 likely includes some coins dated 1800, and possibly also some dated 1799. Six to eight hundred BD-2 coins are believed extant from an estimated mintage of 30,000 to 40,000 from this die pairing, making it the most available early eagle variety. Mint State survivors are scarce, however, and the demand for them is great among high quality type collectors and early gold enthusiasts. Strong bids are encouraged for bidders seeking to add this premium quality BU example to their holdings.
