LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 May/June Long Beach, CA Sig. US Coin #438  / 

2315

1809/8 $5 MS61 NGC. Breen-6458, BD-1, High R.3. Only o

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1809/8 $5 MS61 NGC. Breen-6458, BD-1, High R.3. Only o
<B>1809/8 $5 MS61 NGC.</B></I> Breen-6458, BD-1, High R.3. Only one set of dies was used to strike 1809 half eagles, which are all overdates, although later die states show less undertype than earlier emissions. In the short-lived series of Capped Bust Left half eagles (1807-1812), the 1809 is the scarcest date. Both the recorded mintage of 1809 fives and the NGC <I>Census Report</B></I> support this claim.<BR> Breen points out the notch on one of the points of star 13, which he claims is the engraver's signature. This theory, first put forth by Don Taxay, suggests that John Reich, U.S. Mint assistant engraver from 1807 to 1817, purposely notched the lowest star on the right side of each die as a means to secretly sign his creations. There is no solid evidence to support the claim, although the fact that almost every die he engraved shows this peculiarity makes the notion feasible.<BR> The 9 is much larger than the other digits on this variety, and the remains of the underdigit are faint. Some researchers, John Dannreuther among them, doubt that it is an 8, saying it might be a previous 9. The yellow-green surfaces are highly lustrous, with a glint of copper-red at the date, and suggesting a higher grade without the benefit of a loupe. The loupe reveals a small scrape behind Liberty's mouth. A curious straight line of tiny dotlike indentations on the neck and upper bust appears to be of unknown post-strike origin. Despite the trivial impairments, this is a grand and enticing example of this issue. Census: 25 in 61, 88 finer (5/07).<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot