Exquisite deep gold surfaces display a smooth, vibrant, satin texture consistent with the Choice Mint State rating. The devices are sharply defined from a bold, well-centered strike, and the eye appeal is strong. A transitional year in the early half eagle series, 1807 saw the Mint prepare dies for both the outgoing Capped Bust Right type and the incoming Capped Bust Left design. Although Robert Scot, designer of the Capped Bust Right half eagle, was still chief engraver, the new Capped Bust Left type is credited to John Reich, hired as an assistant engraver in 1807, who designed all coins until his resignation in 1817. Earlier Reich had worked on a contract basis for certain medals. In later years a first-year-of-issue coin would attract the attention of numismatist, but in 1807 there were no known collectors of United States gold coins by date sequence. Accordingly, the vast majority were either lost through commercial use or, more likely, hoarded and melted. Within the context of the early half eagle series, nonetheless, this issue is obtained quite easily in circulated grades. Mint State examples are another matter entirely and when offered at all, are apt to grade no finer than MS-62 or MS-63. Here is a first rate condition rarity; its first year status and scarcity as a type further guarantee its appeal to a wide variety of advanced collectors.， Est. $25,000-$35,000
