NICE EF40 1812 HALF EAGLE

BD-2, High R-4. Close 5D.

Varieties of 1812 half eagle are known with a Wide 5D (BD-1) and a Close 5D (BD-2). The latter variety is at least three or four times more scarce although it sells for no premium over its more available counterpart.

This highly cosmetic example has a wonderful "circulated cameo" appearance with deep green-gold and reddish hues on the obverse and the reverse. The strike is sharpand the detail is excellent with enough hair and feathers to suggest an EF45 to AU50 grade. This coin has been accurately net-graded by PCGS as a a result of a small mint-made edge flaw on the obverse at 1:00 and an old "Z" shaped scrape on the reverse below the right wing.

No PCGS EF40 example of an 1812 half eagle has sold at auction since an OGH piece realized $8,050 as Heritage 6/08: 1972. A really ratty NGC EF40 sold for a low $5,141 as Heritage 6.13: 4760.

An interesting and really attractive piece which is affordable and which represents good overall value.