1803/2 $5 MS62 Certification #90092400, PCGS #8084

Ron Guth

The 1803/2 Half Eagle is represented by over one hundred Mint State examples, most of which grade MS62 and MS63.  Over a dozen "choice" MS64 examples are known, but Gem examples are exceedingly rare.

Four different die varieties qualify as the 1803/2 overdate: BD-1, BD-2, BD-3, and BD-4.  The first three varieties share the same obverse; the BD-4 variety has a slightly stronger overdate, though all four varieties show a clear 3/2 overdate.

David Akers (1975/88)

Along with the 1806 Round Top 6, this date is one of the two most common dates of the type. It is available in all grades up to choice uncirculated. Despite their relative availability, however, choice specimens are very costly today because of the great popularity of U.S. gold coins, particularly early ones, in choice condition. The strike on a typical 1803/2 is comparable to that of the 1802/1, that is, softer than usually encountered on the 1800 or 1804, the two most often well struck dates of the type. Proof-like surfaces are not unusual.