1805 Half Eagle (BD-2, R-4) NGC MS61
(Richmond Collection). A splendid choice uncirculated
survivor of this rare early half eagle. A total of
33,183 were produced with this date, of which an approximate
6,000 to 8,000 were of the present variety.
The present coin, pedigreed to the
famous Richmond collection, is close to the latest
use of the soon terminal obverse die. Several interesting
die cracks show, one in particular through the 0 in
the date up through the portrait of Liberty. Another
one shows from the back of the hair down to the dentils.
A few tiny cracks are not yet visible, which would
make this die soon to be retired.
The reverse die, later used for several
other varieties of 1805 and 1806 half eagles was already
heavily clashed when this coin was made. Clash marks
are notably seen on the shield, and to the right of
it.
Completely original and a truly uncirculated
coin. This is a splendid mint-state example of this
coin which has survived for more than 200 years in
wonderful condition. Sun-yellow gold shows on very
lustrous surfaces, no major marks are distracting
from the gorgeous originality of this early half eagle.
