1802/1 $5 MS64 NGC....

Description

Beautiful 1802/1 BD-8 Half Eagle, MS64

1802/1 $5 MS64 NGC. Breen-6440, BD-8, R.4. Bass Dannreuther State c/b. This is an intermediate die state with light clash marks on the obverse, behind the lower curls and through the date. The reverse has a faint die crack through UNI.
All 1802 half eagles are overdates, from two obverse dies prepared but unused in 1801. While half eagles were obviously anticipated in 1801, the substantial mintage of eagles that year took precedence, and the half eagle dies were never used. Both dies were overdated and used in 1802. The two obverse dies are easily told apart by the position of the 2, and the position of the 1 underneath. This die has a high 2 with the underlying 1 to the left of center. The other die has a low 2 with the underlying 1 centered beneath. There are eight known varieties from the two obverse dies, five from the Low 2 die and three from the High 2 die.
The Bass-Dannreuther reference has done a great deal to clarify varieties of early gold coins. Earlier studies included those by Walter Breen and Robert Miller. Breen listed six varieties from the first obverse and four varieties from the second obverse in his half eagle monograph. He then added a seventh variety from the first obverse in his monograph of new varieties, for a total of 11 different combinations. Miller listed nine varieties, and finally, John Dannreuther listed eight varieties, which is now thought to be correct.
Breen's reverse H and I are the same die, seen on this example. In his monograph, Breen noted that his description was written from the illustration of lot 575 in the 1963 RARCOA sale of the Bell Collection. That plate actually matches his description for reverse H and reverse I.
The present piece is a wonderful representative, perhaps approaching the Condition Census for the variety. Both sides have exquisite green-gold luster with rich peripheral orange toning. Although a few abrasions keep it out of the Gem class, the overall eye appeal is excellent. Census: 15 in 64, 1 finer (12/08).(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25NX, PCGS# 8083, GSID# 8872)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 8.75 grams
AGW: 0.28oz
Mintage: 53,176

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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