BD-5, R-5. Large Stars Reverse.

As a date, the 1799 is much scarcer than the 1798 although the published mintage of 7,451 undoubtedly includes coins dated 1800. There are no less than nine die varieties known of which only two are the rare Large Stars reverse. This naked-eye variety is recognized by PCGS and NGC but, oddly, not by the Redbook and, as a result, it is greatly underappreciated.

This very pleasing example is notable for its ample remaining luster and sparkling reddish-gold color, in slightly different configurations, on the obverse and the reverse. The obverse shows a few old hairlines below the aforementioned color while the reverse is choice; both sides lack the marks commonly seen on examples of this date.

The last 1799 Large Stars reverse half eagle to sell at auction in AU53 was an NGC coin which was ex Heritage 8/12: 5344; it realized $22,325. Prior to this, the last auction record for an AU53 was back in 2006.

This coin is dually important: it is a choice 18th century example of the popular Capped Bust Right type and it is a very scarce die variety which will gain in collectability if and when it is added to the Redbook.