BD-2. High R-4. This is the more available of the two varieties of 1808/7 half eagle.

Not including the two very rare 1810 varieties (Small Date and 5 and Large Date with Small 5), the 1808/7 is the rarest Capped Bust Left half eagle. It is an issue that is not often seen in collector grades and when available, it tends to be represented by bright, unappealing examples in the EF45 to AU55 range..

This evenly worn example shows medium yellow-gold color atop very clean surfaces. There is enough wear on both side to have eliminated any luster but, surprisingly, the fields are fairly clean and smooth in appearance. No adjustment marks or mint-made issues can be seen as is common on this variety.

There have been no slabbed problem-free EF40 examples of this date since an NGC coin sold for $6,273 in a DLRC internet auction held in March 2008. No EF45′s have sold at auction since March 1998.

A great coin for the date collector working on a set of Capped Bust Left half eagles or for a savvy type collector who wants to buy a better date for a small premium over a common 1810, 1811 or 1812.

CAC has approved just this one coin in EF40 with seven finer.