Designed by: John Reich
Issue Dates: 1807-1812
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 8.75 grams (135.03 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 399,013
Proof Mintage: None
In 1807 John Reich redesigned the half eagle. The new style is the forerunner of that adopted a year later for the quarter 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 re verse 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). As stated previously, all early American gold coins are rare in comparison to later issues. Uncirculated coins are offered from time to time, especially when great collections are dispersed, and typically have frosty rather than prooflike surfaces.
