1799 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-6. Rarity-5. Small Reverse Stars. MS-63 (NGC).

This beautiful Choice Mint State half eagle offers remarkable technical quality and superior eye appeal for both the die variety and overall 1799 issue. The complexion displays blended lemon-yellow and honey gold shades with strong prooflike reflectivity in the fields. It is very sharply struck with unbroken satin luster across the design elements. At MS-63 (NGC), it is certainly one of the very finest known survivors and only two have been graded finer by NCG in this category. Help privately since 1997, it is accompanied by a remarkable suite of 1799-dated silver and gold coins in the Zito collection.
A remarkable nine different reverse dies matched to four obverse dies were required to produce all the various 1799 half eagles, some of which Bass and Dannreuther theorize may have been used as late as 1802. BD-6 is one of the most popular of these varieties and it represents the final use for both the obverse and reverse dies before their eventual failure. The obverse is shared with the BD-4 and BD-5 varieties and is readily identifiable by repunching on the final digit 9 in the date. The reverse of the BD-6 marriage has the upright of the letter E in STATES barely to the right of a space between two clouds. It also shows a distinctive arc pattern of stars of John Smith Gardner's hub. Although relatively obtainable compared to other 1799 half eagles, BD-6 remains an incredible condition rarity and is seldom found in Mint State. Indeed, with only 40 to 50 coins accounted for in all grades, the 1799 BD-6 half eagle is elusive. The vast majority of these are in grades of AU-55 or lower, making this MS-63 (NGC) an incredible treasure.

PCGS# 8081. NGC ID: 25NT.

NGC Census: 1; 2 finer in this category.

From the Dr. Paul and Rosalie Zito Collection. Acquired September 22, 1997.

Estimate: $ 65000