Lot 2848
1809/8 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-62. Well struck with nice reflective surfaces. 33,875 pieces minted. This is indeed a golden, mint-original example, uncleaned and attractive having somehow escaped misfortune in its two hundred year passage through time. Hard to believe such a thing is possible. The strike, like the luster, is excellent, in fact, exceptional given the hit-or-miss quality of early pieces like this. A well-struck example with good details. While we would not presume to call it "world class" quality nevertheless when it comes to having most of the endearing features that attract the critical eye of the coin collector, this coin is for a real connoisseur. Pop 38; 59 finer (PCGS # 8104) .
Die note: One interesting feature about this piece that Dannreuther mentions in his die variety guide is the large 9 punch employed on this die. It is much larger than the other digits, possibly from the punch set that was used for the Large Date varieties in 1810. The partial numeral under the 9 does not seem to match the curve of an 8 or this 9. Traditionally, all 1809 half eagles are described as 1809/8. As with the other dies made during the employ of John Reich at the mint, star 13 has a small notch out of one point (that which is closest to the rim dentils). Some believe this is Reich's "secret signature" as such an anomaly could not occur otherwise. (Reich worked at the mint from 1807 until 1817.).
Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000.
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| Realized $13,800 |
