1810 $5 BD-1, Small Date, Tall 5 MS(PCGS#507596)

August 2018 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Philadelphia, PA

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1265

Grade

AU53

Price

7,200

Lot Description

Scarce 1810 Half Eagle Small Date, Tall 5 1810 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-3+. Small Date, Tall 5. AU-53 (PCGS). This is a handsome and richly toned early half eagle irrespective of type, issue or die pairing. Both sides exhibit dominant khaki-gold patina with vivid medium rose overtones that appear to drift toward the borders. The strike is nicely centered and boldly executed, the devices retaining overall sharp to full definition in the absence of all but the lightest rub. A bit subdued in appearance, yet with faint luster remnants in the more protected areas around the devices. BD Die State c/c. This coin is part of a special four-piece consignment to this sale that includes one example of each of the die marriages known for the 1810 Capped Bust Left half eagle. BD-1 is the second most plentiful variety of the date, although it is far scarcer than the relatively common BD-4. Of the 100,287 or so half eagles produced from the four 1810-dated die combinations, John W. Dannreuther (2006) estimates that 20,000 to 30,000 were examples of the variety now known as BD-1. This is the Small Date, Tall 5 Guide Book variety of the issue, Dannreuther estimating that 150 to 225 coins are extant in all grades. This is an endearing AU that will appeal equally to early gold type and variety collectors. Provenance: From the York Collection. PCGS# 507596. Click here for certification details from PCGS.