BD-2, R-4. Housed in an old “rattler” holder and at least an AU55 by today’s standards.

The 1813 is far and away the most available date in the famous Capped Bust Right half eagle series which was produced from 1813 until 1829. It is comparatively easy to locate in the About Uncirculated grades but most of the pieces I see in AU53 and AU55 holders are not choice.

This well-detailed example shows attractive natural medium green-gold color on the obverse and the reverse. There is just a bit of light wear and this is limited to the cheek and truncation as well as on some of the feathers. There are only a few minor marks seen in the fields and a very-easy-to-miss mint-made lamination at the thirteenth star. If removed from this holder, I could see this coin easily grading AU55 if not a bit higher.

Only three PCGS AU53’s have been sold at auction since 2006; the last one was this exact coin which sold for $8,970 as Heritage 2/12: 4761.

Remarkably, another 1813 $5 in a PCGS Rattler 53 holder is currently on the market and it is being offered for $15,000.

This is a neat coin by itself but with all the attendant bells and whistles, it should prove irresistible to the early gold type collector or the savvy specialist who likes “neat” items.

CAC has approved 7 in this grade with 51 finer.