1802/1 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-8. Rarity-4. High Overdate. MS-63 (NGC).

1802/1 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-8. Rarity-4. High Overdate. MS-63 (NGC).，A thoroughly appealing early half eagle, both sides possess full mint bloom in a bright satin texture. Vivid golden yellow patina also greets the viewer from both sides, the surfaces of which are pleasingly smooth to fully justify the impressive Choice Mint State rating from NGC. Overall sharply struck from a well centered impression, the detail to Libertys hair tresses and the eagles breast and wing feathers is particularly impressive. BD Die State c/b.<p>Of the eight known die marriages of the 1802 half eagle, all are overdates, and BD-8 is the most frequently encountered in numismatic circles. Based on the number of coins extant, John W. Dannreuther (<em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834</em>, 2006) believes that the reported mintage of 53,176 pieces for calendar year 1802 roughly approximates the number of half eagles struck from 1802-dated dies. The author further opines that 10,000 to 15,000 examples were coined from the BD-8 die pairing, survivors numbering 150 to 200 pieces in all grades. While this is a generous extant population by early half eagle standards, the 1802/1 BD-8 variety is scarce in an absolute sense with Mint State survivors such as this particularly rare from a market availability standpoint. Given the strong demand that such coins enjoy among advanced gold type collectors and early half eagle enthusiasts alike, this captivating example is sure to see spirited bidding at auction.，From the Marc Kravit Collection.，