Lot 2360
1802/1 $5 Capped Bust. Sharpness of MS-65. A needle sharp strike, free from adjustment marks and fully prooflike! Appears to have been lightly cleaned years ago but so judiciously done as to be of little consequence to the overall beauty. Everyone knows that luster isn't the only side of a grade. So too, the detail, and here the devices are as sharp as can be. Each star can be chosen as the true definition of boldness. Each hair strand clearly revealed. The curl at Liberty's cheek (which on occasion turns out weak) is fully formed. It pays to concentrate one's attention on the reverse as well. The reverse is no different in every respect: this side offers a similar grand display of the designer's art and the coiner's firm, full stamp by the hand-operated coining press that was used in those days. It doesn't take a glass to see that. But using magnification, the critic's can see every tail feather and neck feather as it shows its fine detail. The wing plumage also impresses us, as does the fact E PLURIBUS UNUM is deeply incuse from the blow of the die. Together with these other factors that numismatists admire in a well struck coin, this 1802 Overdate half eagle clearly has the upper hand. It has what it takes to attract the qualified bidders (PCGS # 8083) .
Historical connection: On March 16, 1802 a U. S. military academy was established by act of Congress at West Point, N. Y. Originally this was the Revolutionary fortress that Benedict Arnold attempted to sell to the British in his famous act of treason. Today, the city of West Point is the location of one of the United States branch mints ("W" mintmark).
Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000.
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