Lot 1561
1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Bust left. NGC graded MS-64. Delicately toned with intense frosty mint luster. Breen 5-D. One small mark at the forehead. A fully struck early half eagle with a nice overlay of original color. Close examination reveals some sharp areas that define this specimen, including all stars on the obverse, the hair curls and drapery clasp, etc. Destined for a fine collection, rest assured. Only 51,605 struck. Pop 25; 4 in 65; 2 in 66. (PCGS # 8101) .
Almost six months to the day after John Reich became Assistant Engraver of the Mint, assigned to produce improved designs on all denominations, his new capped bust left half eagles appeared; Mint Director J. R. Snowden {1860} said the date was Sept. 30. 1807. They promptly met with criticism, some newspaper accounts characterizing Reich's new effigy of Liberty on half eagles and half dollars as "the artist's fat mistress.''
Almost all obverses by John Reich, 1807-17 inclusive, on every denomination from dimes through half eagles, show the lowest star at right with one point notched: his "signature." On some dies this notched point faces border; on others (no half eagles) it faces curl.
Estimated Value $29,000 - 31,000.
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| Realized $31,625 |
