Collection: Type 1, Capped Bust, Large Bust (1807-1812)

In mid-1807, the United States Mint introduced a new design for the $5 gold half eagle, crafted by Assistant Engraver John Reich. This marked a dramatic stylistic departure from earlier federal gold coinage. Reich rotated Liberty's portrait to face left, enlarged the head and bust, and lowered her cap to create a more balanced and ... Read More

In mid-1807, the United States Mint introduced a new design for the $5 gold half eagle, crafted by Assistant Engraver John Reich. This marked a dramatic stylistic departure from earlier federal gold coinage. Reich rotated Liberty's portrait to face left, enlarged the head and bust, and lowered her cap to create a more balanced and proportionate figure. The obverse now featured 13 stars around Liberty—symbolizing the original states.

On the reverse, Reich introduced a more lifelike American eagle, replacing the formal Heraldic Eagle with a naturalistic bird clutching an olive branch and arrows. A scroll bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM arcs above, and for the first time, the denomination was clearly inscribed as "5 D." at the base of the reverse—a significant improvement in functional design.

This type, known as the Capped Bust Left, was short-lived, struck only from 1807 through 1812. Despite its brief tenure, the series saw comparatively high mintages for early U.S. gold coins. The 1810 issue became the first $5 gold coin to surpass a six-figure mintage, a record that held until it was overtaken in 1820.

Collectors will find that all dates in the series are available across a range of grades, from well-circulated to Mint State. However, premium-quality, original surface examples—especially those free of cleaning, damage, or retooling—are exceedingly scarce and command strong premiums. The series includes popular overdate varieties such as 1808/7 and 1809/8, as well as small and large date and denomination varieties in 1810 and 1811.

This transitional early 19th-century type represents a pivotal evolution in American coinage—moving from symbolic idealism toward natural realism—and holds tremendous appeal for both type set collectors and advanced gold specialists. Explore ParadimeCoins.com for curated Capped Bust Left half eagles, each chosen for its originality, quality, and investment potential.