***Auction Highlight*** 1810 BD-2 Sm Date, Sm 5 R-6 Gold Capped Bust Half Eagle $5 Graded au58 Details By SEGS. HIGHLIGHT OF THE ENTIRE AUCTION - Up for Auction is the Ultra rare 1810 $5 Small Date, Small 5 SEGS AU58 Details Breen-6461, BD-2, R.6. According to Mint records, 100,287 Capped Bust Left half eagles were struck in 1810, a huge mintage for the time. This large production was divided among four different die varieties distinguished by the different size numeral punches used in the date and denomination. The coin offered here belongs to the rare Small Date, Small 5, BD-2 variety that uses the same size date punches as the issues of 1808 and 1809.The initial mintage of the Small Date, Small 5 variety must have been quite small, probably only 2,000-4,000 pieces. The variety is decidedly elusive today, with John Dannreuther estimating the surviving population at 25-30 pieces, while PCGS believes the total is even smaller, only about 20 specimen in all grades. These figures put the 1810 BD-2 in the same rarity class as the 1854-O and 1856-O double eagles. There are only two die states known for the 1810 Small Date, Small 5, as the obverse die shattered early in the production run. This coin represents the final Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b, with extensive die cracks evident on both sides. This was the only use of the obverse die, although Walter Breen mistakenly believed it was used on the other Small Date variety of this year. The reverse die was later used to strike the even rarer Large Date, Small 5, BD-3 variety. The present coin is a near-Mint example, with bright orange- yellow color, and some reflectivity to the fields. Surface roughness accounts for the details grade. Mint luster remains in the protected areas. The design elements are sharply detailed in most areas, with just a touch of softness on the eagle's neck and Miss Liberty’s hair. With only 20 or so surviving examples, we expect spirited bidding from early gold specialists when this exceptional lot crosses the auction block. I have included an au58 example for your comparison. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation