1808 Half Eagle Pattern - J-39

Coin Details

Description

Judd-39 is a copper die trial of the 1808 Capped Bust Left half eagle, one of the most important pattern coins in the early American gold series. The 1808 half eagle introduced John Reich's redesigned Capped Bust Left portrait, replacing Robert Scot's Capped Bust Right design that had been in use since 1795. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a soft cap inscribed LIBERTY, with stars around the border and the date 1808 below. The reverse displays a large eagle with outstretched wings bearing a shield, clutching an olive branch and arrows, with "5 D." indicating the denomination. The 1808 Capped Bust Left is a celebrated one-year type coin, as the design was slightly modified beginning in 1810. This copper die trial preserves the die state of one of the most important design transitions in early American gold coinage and resides in an institutional collection.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Be unique; impounded in an institutional collection.

Cross References

Pollock-48