Lot 2846
1804. Small 8 BD-1 Rarity 4+. NGC graded MS-64. Boldly struck and honey color golden in color. We note some very faint adjustment marks on the obverse as made. Only 30,475 struck for the year. Identifiable by a short diagonal dash in the open space below UNUM on the reverse. A gorgeous bright coin with nice natural color. The surfaces on this handsome coin are judged by us to be mellow yellow to greenish gold in color, and quite lustrous, highly frosted, dramatically so, with the MS64 grade acting on behalf of its outstanding quality. Circumstances with the bloom off the dies being what it is, sharp-edged devices and lettering throughout add immensely to the coin's beauty. 1804 is noted for its sharp, clear detail, and this coin's strike is right up there among the finest seen. Evidence of adjustment marks can be seen in the hair. A small curved mark on the cheek is also present. BD-1, as a variety has several notable identifiers: First is the "normal 8" in the date (formerly a small 8, but it is the correct 8 punch according to Dannreuther). The top of the 1 is blunt (missing its flag, like 1800. The 4 is small. On the reverse there is a graver line from the left shield point through B in ribbon, through star 12 to the upper beak.
Collectors and sophisticated investors who have a prefer to bide their time by sitting back and watching other people place the first bids, so essential to the genre of this field, will do wise to pick up their bid card (or press the correct computer button) and show their willingness to compete for the honor of possessing this 1804 important early half eagle! Pop 6; none finer (PCGS # 8085) .
The year 1804 was a busy one for President Jefferson and his administration. First, Lewis and Clark's report from America's newly purchased Louisiana territory was eagerly anticipated by the Interior Department. Next, Vice President Aaron Burr and ex-Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton fought their famous duel. (Hamilton lost and was killed; Aaron Burr fled but was captured; and Jefferson was mortified by the whole incident). Finally, it was an election year and Thomas J. had to tell the voters all sorts of fancy tales to get them to re-elect him. While this was in progress, the Philadelphia Mint crew worked noisily but diligently away in their hot, stuffy coin factory turning out these attractive half eagles.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000.
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