1795 $5 Small Eagle Gold Half Eagle BD-1 PCGS AU Details

BD-1. Lightly cleaned. The first Half Eagle minted and very popular as such. The BD-1 die pair is believed to have been the first half eagle struck. This is an unusually bold example on the eagles breast, stars and Lady Liberty's hair curls. There is original surface visible in the protected areas. The obverse die shows two centering dots in Lady Liberty's hair. There is significant die rust found on all examples of this variety. It is suggested that the dies were ready much earlier than the bonds that needed to be posted to strike gold were issued. The dies rusted in the meantime. This example is bit too bright for its age due to a light cleaning, but abrasions are minimal. It is a very attractive eye appeal, despite the curating. Slightly prooflike as this is die stage c/c with all die cracks lapped away. One of the highlights of the Kelley collection. Ex: HA Private treaty 12/15; Don Kelley collection.