Lot 1928
1809, 9 over 8. BD-1, High Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-63. The only die pairing. One interesting feature about this piece that John 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. As with many other early gold issues, one sometimes has to draw the best conclusion that can be found from the existing examples. 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 his "secret signature" as such an anomaly could not be explained otherwise. (Reich worked at the mint from 1807 until 1817.).
A nice frosty coin with lovely rich golden toning and only a few tiny marks visible at the center of the obverse. A decidedly attractive piece that has radiant golden originality. Struck with systematic exactness throughout the stars and main design elements, there is little reason to ignore the central part of the reverse where, on some dates in the Capped Bust Left series, a severe rounded impression is often left by the dies. This coin is decidedly bold in the centers and elsewhere. One of only 33,875 pieces struck. Pop 22; 34 finer, 25 in 64, 3 in 64+, 5 in 65, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 8104) .
Estimated Value $22,000 - 23,000.
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