1814/3 $5.00 PCGS MS62 CAC

BD-1, High R-4. This second year of issue Capped Head Left emission is sometimes lumped with the common 1813 but it is many times rarer. An estimated 100 or so exist and this issue is seen most often in the AU50-MS60 range. In properly graded MS62, it is quite rare and the availability of examples of this quality is typically limited to major auctions. This coin has a very choice obverse with the appearance of a full MS63; a few scattered marks at the upper reverse preclude a higher grade. The color is a rich lemon-yellow hue (which is "right" for the issue) and the luster is characteristic of uncleaned 1814/3 half eagles (and there aren't many left...) with a hybrid satiny/frosty texture. The last PCGS MS62CAC example to sell at auction was Heritage 10/11: 4876 (at $25,300) and that coin, while attractive, had a prominent line of Liberty's face. A great type coin for the advanced collector.

CAC has approved four in this grade with three better.