1831 $5 Capped Head Large 5D NGC AU58

Introduction

The 1831 $5 Capped Head Large 5D graded NGC AU58 is a scarce early U.S. gold Half Eagle distinguished by the Large 5D denomination on its reverse. Identified as the BD-2 die marriage, this variety is represented by only a small number of known survivors. Its AU58 grade places it just below Mint State, retaining substantial original detail with only light evidence of circulation.

History

The Capped Head Half Eagle design was introduced in 1813 and underwent an important modification in 1829. U.S. Mint Chief Engraver William Kneass adapted the design for new close-collar coinage technology, reducing the diameter and introducing a raised rim and beaded border while retaining the central design elements of the earlier series.

The Philadelphia Mint reported a total mintage of 140,594 Half Eagles for 1831. That production was divided between two die marriages sharing the same obverse but using different reverse dies. The BD-1 variety features the Small 5D denomination, while BD-2 is distinguished by its larger 5D. The Large 5D reverse was likely left over from 1829 but had not previously been used for coinage.

Although the Large 5D is the more frequently encountered of the two 1831 varieties, surviving examples remain scarce. Numismatic research estimates that only approximately 22 to 30 examples of the BD-2 Large 5D survive across all grades.

Design

The obverse depicts Liberty facing left, wearing a cap with a headband inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, representing the original states, with the date 1831 positioned below.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch. A ribbon above bears the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the design. The denomination 5 D. appears below the eagle, with the larger lettering distinguishing the BD-2 Large 5D variety.