1810 Small Date, Small 5

The 1810 Small Date, Small 5 half eagle is the rarest of the four cataloged 1810 die marriages and ranks among the most elusive issues in the entire Capped Bust Left series. Combined 1810 production reached about 100,287 coins, but only a small portion of that mintage came from the dies pairing the Small Date logotype on the obverse with the Small 5 punch on the reverse. Bass-Dannreuther research identifies this die marriage as the scarcest of the year, with surviving examples generally estimated in the single digits to low double digits across all grades. Collectors usually meet the more common Large Date / Large 5 pairing first and may go years without seeing a confirmed Small Date / Small 5 offered for sale. The variety ranks alongside the recognized rarities of the Capped Bust Left series.

Variety attribution must be approached carefully because both diagnostics need to agree. The Small Date logotype shows shorter, narrower numerals than the Large Date, with the height of the 8 and the 0 offering the most reliable comparison. On the reverse, the Small 5 inside "5 D." is shorter and lighter than the bolder Tall 5 or Large 5 punches used on the other 1810 pairings. Mismatching either feature moves the attribution to a different marriage, so collectors should photograph both elements next to a known reference example. Authentic strikes weigh 8.75 grams, measure roughly 25.0 millimeters, and were produced from 0.9167 fine gold. Reeded edges, properly formed drapery on the cap, and crisp feather detail on the eagle help separate genuine pieces from cast counterfeits or altered coins.

Modern collecting interest in this variety is driven almost entirely by advanced specialists who pursue the Capped Bust Left half eagle by die marriage. Auction appearances are infrequent, and verified examples in any grade routinely command strong premiums over common 1810 pairings. A circulated coin with clearly visible Small Date and Small 5 punches is a genuine rarity and should be treated as such, while higher grade pieces become major sale events when they surface. Always insist on third-party certification from PCGS or NGC and confirm both diagnostics before paying a variety premium. For broader background on the type, see the Capped Bust Half Eagle series history.