1805 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-2. Rarity-4. Perfect 1, Close Date. AU Details--Cleaned (PCGS). Medium gold surfaces are boldly to sharply struck in most areas with blushes of original luster remaining to further tempt the more persistent viewer. Light hairlining and a somewhat glossy texture explain the PCGS qualifier. This scarce variety has an estimated population of 100 to 150 survivors in all grades (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006). The obverse die was previously used in the 1805 BD-1 pairing, although it shattered in the 1805 BD-2 marriage. The reverse die, however, proved especially hardy by early U.S. Mint standards and went on to strike the remaining three varieties of the 1805-dated half eagle issue, as well as 1806 BD-1. Although scarce in an absolute sense, as are all early gold coin varieties, 1805 BD-2 is among the more readily obtainable in the Capped Bust Right half eagle series. The present example, therefore, holds particular appeal for budget minded type collectors. BD Die State d/a. From the Andrew M. Hain Collection.
