1800 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-5. Rarity-3+. Blunt 1. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC. OGH. This is a lovely example of the type, issue and die pairing that is worthy of the strongest bids. Bathed in vivid medium yellow-gold, the surfaces also exhibit a soft satin texture with traces of faint prooflike reflectivity in the fields. The strike is well centered and sharply executed, even the central design elements with crisp detail. A few wispy handling marks in the expansive obverse field are all that separate this coin from a Choice Mint State grade. BD Die State d/b.<p>The approximate number of half eagles struck bearing the 1800 date is a moderately healthy 15,000 to 30,000 pieces spread out over five known die pairings from only two obverse dies. The first die did not last long and was quickly replaced by a die employing a numeral punch that is missing the top serif, or flag, on the 1. This die would last for the rest of the issue. The BD-5 pair is one of the most available of these varieties and has long proven to be popular for type sets. The reverse die can be distinguished by the placement of the 13th star with its leftmost point touching the eagles neck. Mint State survivors, while rare, are still comparatively available and always in high demand. Few are as well preserved as this, however, confirming the fleeting nature of this offering for the quality conscious collector. Selections from the Aberg Collection.
