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HALF EAGLE 1807-1812 Capped Draped Bust to Left - More Details

In 1807 John Reich redesigned the half eagle. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty facing left, wearing a cloth cap inscribed LIBERTY, with seven stars to the left and six to the right. The reverse shows an eagle perched on a palm branch, holding three arrows, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on a ribbon or band above. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 5 D. surrounds. This style was produced from 1807 through 1812.

Although there are some scarce die varieties within the 1807-1812 span, there are no rare dates, and the type set collector can choose from virtually any date desired. Specimens are available in all grades, with Very Fine to AU coins appearing on the market with some frequency, (relatively speaking, of course). Uncirculated coins are offered from time to time, especially when great collections are dispersed, and typically have frosty rather than prooflike surfaces.


Valuation

All gold coins of early mintage were scarce. As the economy grew, the need for a more portable form of money ensued. In the case of gold, it was vastly more portable and easily stored than was silver. Any gold coin of early mintage, regardless of condition, is considered a prize.
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