Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

1809, 9 over 8. BD-1, High Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck with lovely golden-orange toning at selected design areas. A well struck frosty mint Gem on a problem-free planchet. The frosty surfaces glow with intense mint luster. A total of 33,875 pieces were minted, but rarely have we seen an 1809/8 half eagle as crisp and pleasing to the critical eye of the grading service; and to think it was released from to the Treasury for distribution over two hundred years ago. The design, the depth of strike, like the luster, is outstanding, in fact, exceptional. A well-made example with needle-sharp details. There are no bothersome abrasions, adjustment marks, or spots. This is one of the nicest specimens of this date we have seen, a coin that will be admired by those who view it. A short mark below the eagle's lower beak serves as an identifier; dutiful searching with a glass reveals little else other than a stray line or minor change in the color of the toning here and there. A great example in Gem Mint State compared to lesser quality early gold pieces that may be technically Mint State; we hesitate to call it "world class" quality but where in the world would you find a finer specimen? A coin for a true connoisseur.

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. 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). Pop 5; 1 finer in 66. (PCGS # 8104) .
Estimated Value $100,000 - 120,000.