1809/8 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-3+. MS-63 (PCGS). CAC.

1809/8 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-3+. MS-63 (PCGS). CAC.，Soft satin luster mingles with warm golden-honey patina on both sides of this beautiful early half eagle. The strike is full with razor sharp detail to all devices. Nicer than typically seen for the assigned grade, we urge strong bids for this premium quality piece. The challenging Capped Bust Left half eagle series was issued only from 1807 through 1812. There is just one die marriage known for 1809; the overdate status is questionable as the fragment within the lower loop of the 9 does not precisely match the expected shape of an 8. Nor does this variety appear to be an 1809/9 repunched date, although a misplaced 9 does seem to be the more likely candidate. The estimated mintage of this issue is 20,000 to 33,875 pieces (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006), and survivors number no more than 350 coins in all grades. This is one of the nicest that we have handled in recent memory, a coin that will be perfect for either type or date purposes.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) Donald Groves Collection sale, November 1974, lot 551. Lot tag included.，