1809 Draped Bust to Left Half Eagle

About This Coin

The 1809 Draped Bust to Left Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Draped Bust to Left Half Eagles 1807-1812 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a mob cap or turban with a larger, draped bust, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by John Reich. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 8.75 grams, 25 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. John Reich redesigned the Half Eagle with a larger, left-facing bust in 1807. This design continued through 1812 in the "Draped Bust to Left" style before evolving into the Capped Head type. Relatively low mintages make all dates moderately scarce. The series is collected both by date and by die variety.