BD-2, High R-3. Blunt 1 in date; triple denticle above ME in AMERICA.

Historically significant as the premier half eagle from the 19th century, the 1800 is a date which is not seen as often as other later dates in the Capped Bust Right series. It is not widely available in the higher AU grades and nice AU58′s are popular given the price increase one sees in this series as one goes up the ladder into the Uncirculated grades.

This well struck piece shows nice bright yellow gold color and it is more reflective than usual for the issue with considerable prooflike reflectivness seen on the obverse; the reverse is more frosty in texture. The strike is very crisp with good detail seen at the centers and borders. The surfaces are very clean with no marks of note; one or two light adjustment marks on the reverse are hard to see unless the coin is tiled on to its axis. This piece doesn’t appear to have any real wear but there is just enough friction on the high spots to accurately describe it as a “slider.”

The last PCGS AU58 example of this date to sell at auction was Heritage 2/10: 1549 at $10,350. That piece had “unusual” color on the obverse and was not choice, in my opinion.

This is a pleasing example of the Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle type and attractive PCGS AU58 example are not often available in the current market.