Garrett Collection Pedigree; indicated on the holder by PCGS.

BD-1, R-4.

All 1803 half eagles show a “3/2″ over date on the obverse. This is among the more available dates in the Capped Bust Right type and it is likely that as many as 500-600 exist, mostly in AU and lower Uncirculated grades.

This appears to be an early die state as it shows no cracks and is extremely well struck at both the borders and the centers. The obverse is an even rich yellow-gold hue and it is slightly reflective in the fields; the reverse shows some nice natural coppery-orange color and is more satiny. The grade is limited by some specks in the right obverse field (likely mint-made) and a patch of hairlines in the left obverse. On the reverse there are some adjustment marks which are, of course, mint-made.

Despite being a “common” date, PCGS MS61 examples do not show up at auction with much regularity. In the last two years only two have sold: Heritage 7/13: 3347 at $12,925 (a coin with some problems overlooked by PCGS) and Stacks Bowers 3/12: 4295 at $14,950 (a choice example).

This coin combines desirability with true numismatic history as it bears a wonderful 130+ year pedigree.

Ex Bowers and Ruddy 11/79 (Garrett Part One): 444, Garrett Family collection, Appleton, Mickley and W.E. Woodward in 1883.