Lot 1766
1808. PCGS graded EF-45. Nicely toned. Only 55,578 struck. A few light circulation marks in the fields and on devices, choice rims are free of bruises, which is always beneficial. Well balanced toning over both sides provides a good deal of aesthetic appeal.
In 1807, following the coinage of some of the old-style Heraldic Eagle pieces, the mint’s engraver John Reich redesigned the Half Eagle. The new style is the forerunner of that adopted a year later for the Quarter Eagle. The obverse depicts Liberty facing left, wearing a cloth cap inscribed LIBERTY, with seven stars to the left and six to the right. (Similar looking designs appear on the minor denominations from 1807-38: Half Dollars, Quarters, Dimes, and, in 1829, Half Dimes.)
The reverse shows an eagle perched on a palm branch, holding three arrows, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on a ribbon or band above. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 5 D. surrounds.
This new Half Eagle format was continued through 1812. The brief span of this design yielded a coinage estimated at 399,013 pieces. Most were subsequently melted. Estimates range up to 97% destroyed in this way.
Although there are some scarce die varieties within the 1807-12 years, none are so rare as to preclude a date/variety set. The Type Set collector can choose from virtually any date desired. Specimens of 1808 are available in all grades, with Very Fine to About Uncirculated coins appearing on the market with regularity (relatively speaking, of course). Mint State examples are offered now and then and, if choice in appearance, are prize rarities (PCGS # 8102) .
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500.
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| Realized $7,050 |
