Lot 1916
1803/2 $5 Capped Bust. PCGS graded AU-53 Breen-2D, die break through base of date. Well struck. An extraordinary fresh, uncleaned coin in all respects, the luster is evident and present on both sides, while pale dusky toning blossoms on both sides. The strike is clear, indeed, as bold as ever seen on virtually any 1803 variety. All 1803-dated half eagles are from an "over 2" obverse die (2 obverses are known).
Breen-2D is the newest reported variety with a die crack through the base of the date. Breen failed to notice the differences in the two obverse dies, stating simply that this was a late die state of obverse 1. Even in his Complete Encyclopedia published in 1988, no mention of this separate obverse was made. In 1997, Robert Miller described this variety as Rarity-7. We now believe that this is one of the most common varieties of the year. 33,506 coins minted. Pop 28; 198 finer. (PCGS # 8084) .
Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000.
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| Realized $9,200 |
