Lot 1941
1809, 9 over 8. PCGS graded MS-63+. Only 33,875 struck. Pop 2; 31 finer at PCGS. Boldly struck and mostly untoned with abundant mint frost on the devices and lustrous fields. Free of detracting adjustment marks. The surfaces are pleasing, with nary a nick or bagmark to be found anywhere. As such collector demand for this scarce type or date coin is always strong, especially when such a high grade, high appeal coin turns up. This is a fine example of the die engraving by John Reich, who was employed at the Philadelphia Mint starting in 1807. This elegant design of the half eagle was his craftmanship, with Liberty wearing a cap and having long, flowing curls. The eagle on the reverse is poised in a more natural stance, with wings outstretched. Reich was proud of his work, and it is believed he "signed" the dies he engraved with a small notch out of the outter point of the last star right of the date, as seen here. Other numismatists have noted the clasp on Liberty's dress has a cursive "R" at the center, probably another hidden signature by Reich. All in all, a nice looking coin (PCGS # 8104) Estimate Value $25,000 - 27,000
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