1804 $5 Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle MS-64 NGC (Small 8)

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In the earliest decades of United States coinage, the Philadelphia Mint produced gold pieces that are today celebrated for their hand-crafted character and distinct design variations. Among these early treasures is the 1804 Capped Bust gold half eagle, a coin with a face value of five dollars containing approximately 0.2419 troy ounces of gold. This particular specimen is distinguished by the Small 8 variety in its date, a detail that captures the attention of keen observers of early American numismatics. The obverse of this gold piece showcases the classic Capped Bust design, flanked by stars and the prominent date of 1804 at the bottom. On the reverse, the heraldic eagle is depicted with the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM draped across a ribbon above its head, surrounded by the legend STATES OF AMERICA. This specific coin has survived the centuries in an exceptional state of preservation, certified by independent grading experts at Mint State 64 (MS-64), offering a remarkably clear window into the craftsmanship of the young United States nation.