RARE AND DESIRABLE 1799 SMALL STARS IN PCGS/CAC PCGS AU55

BD-1, High R-5. A rare variety.

The Mint Report for 1799 shows that only 7,451 half eagles were made but it likely another 7,500 or more were made in 1800 but dated 1799. There are a number of varieties and die varieties known for the year, many of which are very scarce. As a date, the 1799 is desirable as an affordable 18th century half eagle and it is much scarcer than the 1798 Heraldic Eagle reverse.

This fresh-to-the-market example is choice for the grade with attractive natural medium green-gold color seen on both sides. The strike is sharp with only a touch of weakness at the centers and the surfaces are free of significant marks including the adjustments seen on so many 1799 half eagles.

Only two PCGS graded AU55 1799 Small Stars reverse half eagles have sold at auction since 1999 and one, not approved by CAC, realized $17,250 as Heritage 7/11: 4703. An NGC AU55 example of the BD-1 variety, also not approved by CAC, sold for $15,275 as Heritage 1/15: 7018 and, in my opinion, it was overgraded.

I haven’t handled a better 1799 half eagle in over a year and this piece is perfect for the savvy collector who longs for a single 18th century half eagle for type purposes.

CAC has approved 3 in this grade with 8 finer.