1807 Half Eagle

HBCC#:

3106

Breen#:

6450

BD#:

4

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This is another example of the same major variety with a small date and small stars on the obverse, and large reverse stars. The obverse is the same as HBCC-3105 with a new reverse die used also for HBCC-3107 and 3108. The Draped Bust coinage of 1807 was accomplished through use of four obverse and three reverse dies, all die linked, forming a continuous progression based on die state evidence. Harry Bass was a student of these early die varieties and clearly described die states of each coin in his collection, providing much information for further study.

Provenance:

From the Bowers and Ruddy Galleries sale of the Robert Marks Collection, November 1972, Lot 1039.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse: Bust right. Small date, evenly spaced. Small stars. Right foot of R rests on a raised die gouge. Lowest hair strand is short and is now clear of top of 1 date because of lapping. This strand is shorter than on prior state where it just touches top of 1. Die edge file marks at denticles above star 2. Crack above crown of cap from a denticle is now longer and more evident. Rust in cap above band. Clash marks from previous state are now faint due to lapping. Reverse: Large stars. Leaf point touches right base of I(C). A diagonal spine runs from this leaf point across lower half of I(C). Rust lump in field to left of top of T(A)."