1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar. O-102a. Rarity-2. MS-65+ (PCGS).This is a breathtakingly beautiful coin with billowy mint frost blanketing both sides. The surfaces are exceptionally smooth and would be impressive even in a late date Capped Bust half dollar from the 1820s or 1830s. That this coin is a survivor of the second year 1808 issue makes its level of preservation even more remarkable. Peripherally toned in pretty copper-rose and reddish-apricot with razor sharp striking detail to all major design elements.<p>The Capped Bust half dollar is the work of John Reich, a German-born engraver who came to the United States to escape the turmoil of a Europe engulfed in the Napoleonic Wars. Joining the staff at the United States Mint in 1807 as assistant engraver to Robert Scot at the salary of $600 per year, Reichs first official task was to redesign the gold and silver denominations. The most popular denominations with bullion depositors at that time, the half eagle and half dollar were the first to receive Reichs attention and the first examples of his Capped Bust half dollar were struck the same year that he joined the Mint.<p>Generally speaking, the most eagerly sought Capped Bust half dollars fall into one of four categories: the early dates, by which we mean pre-1820; the rare die varieties; the overdates; and other visually interesting varieties such as the 1807 Bearded Goddess and the 1814 E/A in STATES. The 1808 falls into the first category. Even a casual perusal of the PCGS and NGC population reports confirms that the 1808 as an issue is scarce in lower Mint State grades and a significant condition rarity above the MS-64 level. The premium Gem offered here is near the top of the Condition Census for the entire issue, and it tied for CC#2 with the Newman specimen for the 1808 Overton-102a die state. A phenomenal coin that would do justice to the finest type set or specialized early half dollar collection.Ex Heritages CSNS Signature Auction of April 2019, lot 3725.
