Lot 949
1807 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small stars. EF-40. John Reich came to the United States as an indentured servant in order to escape the Napoleonic Wars, soon he was one of the finest engravers in the United States and was known to Mint Officials by 1801. However, Mint Engraver Robert Scot did all he could to keep Reich out of the Mint, and thus Scot insured his continued employment. By 1807 Scot's failing eyesight had become enough of a concern to Mint officials that they overruled Scot and Reich was hired as an Assistant Engraver for $600 per year (Breen's Encyclopedia). Reich was given the assignment to redesign silver and gold coinage. One of the first denominations was the half dollar, which employed a buxom rendition of Liberty wearing a cap of freedom, with a relaxed American eagle on the reverse. During 1807, some of the obverse dies employed large stars, others small stars as seen on this coin. It is widely believed that Reich "signed" his dies by using a star in the final position with a small notch on the outer point facing the rim.
This particular coin retains some luster in the fields and is generally untoned save for the periphery which shows some gray and blue tones. Average hairlines.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
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| Realized $776 |
