BD-4, R-4. Large 8, 13 star reverse. Late reverse die state with cuds over ES in STATES and O in OF.

For most collectors, the only obtainable Capped Bust Right Heraldic Reverse half eagles are the 1798 and 1799 issue. The 1798 is found with a number of significant varieties and the Large 8/13 star reverse is among the most familiar. It is a scarce issue in all grades and it is rare in Choice AU with natural color and surfaces.

This lovely, fresh-to-the-market example is very conservatively graded. The obverse, which is very lustrous, is well-detailed and shows just a few small spots (likely removable) in the right field. The reverse is fully Uncirculated and would grade at least MS61 on its own. Other than a few light vertical adjustment marks on the shield, the surfaces are really quite exceptional for the date and grade.

Heritage 10/1: 4857 was graded AU55 by PCGS and was approved by CAC but it had a slightly “splotchy” appearance. It brought $19,550. A non-CAC PCGS AU55 example brought $20,125 in Stacks Bowers 11/11 auction.

There are few numismatic items more likely to cause a collector’s heart skip a beat than a choice piece of 18th century gold and this 1798 half eagle is a really exceptional coin in many respects.

CAC has approved five in this grade with seven finer.