1808 Half Eagle (1808 $5) NGC MS62, BD-3, R-4. Very important for type set purposes, this uncirculated 1808 half eagle is the scarce of the two non-overdate varieties for the year. With an estimated 100-125 pieces known (as per the 2006 Bass-Dannreuther) it is scarce (although some consider it “common”, in relation to other early American gold coins), and not offered for sale that often, especially in uncirculated condition. When this coin was struck the half eagle served as the largest denomination minted by the United
States Mint in Philadelphia, causing many pieces to be exported and/or melted/ and relatively low survival rates in comparison to the original mintages.

The so-called “Capped Bust Half Eagle” was introduced the previous year, in 1807, and would be struck until 1812. For the total type it is estimated that approximately 400,000 coins were struck, in six years, a mintage of a total type which was easily reached in later years with a single issue. Because of the limited number of years this type, designed by John Reich was produced, it is a rare type within the spectrum of America’s coinage.

The present variety is identified by the absence of an underdigit under the 8 in the date, the position of the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse as well as the relatively closely spaced “5 D.”. Compared to the other non-overdated variety for this year, it is about half as scarce. The present coin is a nicely uncirculated example for this date and type, with few marks for the grade. Both sides are strongly impressed, with nice, citron-yellow color apparent on both sides. While a few smaller marks are noticed, few are major, and none appear to be overly distracting to us. For the advanced date or type set collector, this coin would fit perfectly in an uncirculated set.