1807 Bust Right $5.00 PCGS MS62

BD-5, High R-6.. In 1807, two varieties of half eagle were struck: the old Capped Right and the new Bust Left. Of the two, the former is scarcer, especially in higher grades. This is a delightful example for the date with a really "fresh" appearance that suggests an MS63 grade, Both sides show lovely rich yellow-gold and reddish-orange colors and this piece has never been dipped or processed unlike so much early gold. The strike is very slightly weak at the centers as is common for this die variety and there are a few minor mint-made adjustment marks on the obverse rim from 3:00 to 5:00. There are no less than five die cracks seen on the obverse including a few terminal state ones; clearly the dies for this varirty were about to break apart as this coin was made. Although I am not asking a rarity premium for it, BD-5 is believed to have only twenty or so pieces known and most are in lower grades. A wonderful type coin for the collector who insists on freshness with his early gold purchases and a date that is undervalued in this grade and with this degree of eye apopeal.

1807 Bust Right $5.00 PCGS MS63 CAC, OGH

Bust Right variety. BD-1, High R-4. Small Reverse stars; the only one of the six half eagles struck this year with this reverse and a distinct naked-eye variety as such. Old Green Holder. A stunning, semi-prooflike example with deep natural yellow gold color seen over the partially reflective fields. Well struck and well made with no significant abrasions or mint-made planchet issues; nicely detailed at the centers and borders with most of the fine design elements showing nearly full clarity. This piece is housed in an old holder and it was last graded at least two decades ago. Unlike so many Bust Right half eagles in MS63 holders, it hasn't been dipped or enhanced and it has really exceptional overall eye appeal. While common in the lowest Uncirculated grades, the 1807 Bust Right becomes rare in properly graded MS63 and it is extremely rare above this with just five finer at PCGS (four in MS64 and a single MS65). The last MS63 to trade at auction was an NGC coin (Heritage 1/12: 4855) which was not CAC approved and which was not high end for the grade; it brought $21,850. You have to go all the way back to the Superior 1/06 sale to find a PCGS MS63 at auction; that coin brought $20,700. Given the fact that the present example is PCGS graded graded, CAC approved and in an old green label holder (quite a triumverate!), I think it is worth at least a 20% premium above the above-referenced NGC example. As of 1/12, only three 1807 Bust Right half eagles graded MS63 have been approved by CAC with two finer than this. A great example for an advanced type set or date run of early half eagles.