By James McCartney – Numismatist & Cataloger, Stack’s Bowers ……
Around the offices here at Stack’s Bowers, we’re looking forward to our June Baltimore sale, anticipating another exciting event. Among the rarities already consigned to that auction is a wonderful 1800 Capped Bust Right half eagle certified MS-62 by PCGS from the Beasley Collection. The vibrant golden-yellow toning on this example deepens to rich honey-gold at the borders of both sides. A razor-sharp strike complements the impressive preservation, and provides strong pronouncement to Liberty’s hair and profile, as well as the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. Semi-prooflike reflectivity in the fields contrasts subtly with satiny luster that blankets the design elements.
This specimen was struck from the BD-2 die pair, with perhaps just 175 to 250 examples surviving from an estimated mintage of 7,500 to 12,500 for the variety. It exhibits the earliest use of the broken “blunt” 1 punch that would continue in use throughout the next two years before being finally replaced in mid-1804. Researcher John Dannreuther remarks that the 1800 BD-2 is “the earliest date half eagle that is readily available” and he assigns it a Rarity-3+ rating. Finding an attractive Mint State specimen like the present piece, however, is a delightful but scarce occurrence for collectors. In fact, PCGS has certified just 23 1800 half eagles finer than the current example across all five varieties, asserting the importance of this piece for both type collectors and specialists.
This gorgeous MS-62 (PCGS) 1800 Capped Bust Right half eagle from the Beasley Collection will be featured in our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer Expo, to be held this June in Baltimore. Also offered will be rarities from other collections, including the Fairmont Collection and the Boston Old City Hall Collection. The sale will be available for viewing and bidding on our website www.StacksBowers.com, or you may contact our offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic representative today, please call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected]. Also, download our mobile app to view and participate in our exciting auctions via your Android or Apple device.
