1799 $5 Draped Bust Half Eagle, Heraldic Eagle BD-6 NGC MS63

A remarkable nine different reverse dies matched to four obverse dies were required to produce all the various 1799 half eagles, some of which Bass and Dannreuther theorize may have been used as late as 1802. BD-6 is one of the most popular of these varieties and it represents the final use for both the obverse and reverse dies before their eventual failure. The obverse is shared with the BD-4 and BD-5 varieties and is readily identifiable by repunching on the final digit 9 in the date. The reverse of the BD-6 marriage has the upright of the letter E in STATES barely to the right of a space between two clouds. It also shows a distinctive arc pattern of stars of John Smith Gardner's hub. Although relatively obtainable compared to other 1799 half eagles, BD-6 remains an incredible condition rarity and is seldom found in Mint State. Indeed, with only 40 to 50 coins accounted for in all grades, the 1799 BD-6 half eagle is elusive. The vast majority of these are in grades of AU-55 or lower, making this MS-63 (NGC) an incredible treasure.