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The Certified 1808/7 Bust Half Dollar graded G6 by NGC is a notable early American silver coin that holds historical and numismatic appeal due to its status as an overdate variety and its position within the second year of the Capped Bust Half Dollar series. Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust motif replaced the Draped Bust design in 1807 and brought a more natural, distinctly American aesthetic to U.S. coinage. The 1808/7 overdate is among the more recognized varieties in the series, created when a leftover 1807 die was repunched with an “8” over the original “7.” This specific example, graded G6 or “Good” by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), exhibits the expected even wear of a circulated early 19th-century coin, but retains all the major devices and date details essential for collectors of historical U.S. coinage.
The obverse of the 1808/7 Bust Half Dollar features a left-facing bust of Liberty adorned with a soft cloth cap, known as a Phrygian or liberty cap, resting on her head and tied with a band inscribed “LIBERTY.” Her hair flows in curls over her shoulder, and the overall style is more relaxed and lifelike compared to its Draped Bust predecessor. The design is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies, arranged seven to the left and six to the right. The date “1808” is inscribed at the bottom of the coin, with the overdate “8” clearly punched over a “7,” which remains partially visible on most specimens, even in lower grades like G6. In this example, Liberty’s profile is worn but still clearly defined, and the outline of her cap and head remains distinguishable, even as the finer details are mostly smoothed from circulation.
The reverse features an eagle with wings spread wide, grasping a bundle of arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right, symbolizing strength in war and preference for peace. A shield covers the eagle’s chest, and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears on a ribbon above the eagle’s head. The entire composition is encircled by the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “50 C.” near the bottom. This design is commonly referred to as the "Large Eagle" reverse and reflects Reich’s intent to convey a more imposing and noble national symbol. On this G6 specimen, the eagle and shield are visible in outline, although flattened. The legends are mostly readable, and the denomination is clear, satisfying the criteria for the Good grade.
All 1808/7 Bust Half Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only mint in operation at the time. The reported mintage for the entire year was 1,368,600 half dollars, though it is not possible to determine exactly how many of those were struck from the 1808/7 overdate dies. Nevertheless, the 1808/7 remains a prominent and widely collected variety within the early half dollar series. The use of overdated dies was common in the early Mint era, as cost-saving measures prompted engravers to reuse still-serviceable dies by modifying the date. These varieties were not intended as distinct issues but have become highly sought-after by modern collectors for their uniqueness and historical significance.
The G6 grade, short for “Good 6,” indicates a coin that is heavily worn but retains a full outline of major devices and legible legends. On the obverse, Liberty’s outline, the stars, and the date should all be visible, though details such as facial features, hair curls, and cap texture are generally smooth. On the reverse, the eagle, arrows, olive branch, and shield will be present in silhouette, and the lettering of the inscriptions should be mostly complete, though soft. This NGC-certified coin meets those standards, showing uniform wear consistent with age and circulation but free from major damage, cleaning, or environmental corrosion. The surfaces likely exhibit a natural silver-gray patina typical of early silver coins that have circulated for decades.
The overdate feature is a key point of interest in this coin. Visible primarily in the last digit of the date, the top of the “7” beneath the “8” can often be detected with the naked eye or under magnification. This minting error occurred when a die prepared for 1807 was repunched with an “8” rather than discarding the die, as die steel was both expensive and labor-intensive to create. These overdate coins are now cataloged and studied by specialists using the Overton system, which organizes Bust Half Dollars by die marriage and specific characteristics. The 1808/7 issue is referenced as Overton-101, and while not the rarest variety in the Capped Bust series, its early date and visual intrigue make it particularly collectible.
Coins like this 1808/7 half dollar played a significant role in American commerce during the early 19th century, when half dollars were a preferred medium of exchange. Their relatively high intrinsic value and silver content made them suitable for both large domestic transactions and export trade. Many were shipped abroad, melted, or otherwise lost to history, contributing to the scarcity of early date half dollars in collectible grades today. Even heavily worn examples such as this G6 coin are coveted for their survival, historical character, and rarity in the modern market.
As a product of early American minting practices, the 1808/7 Bust Half Dollar reveals much about the working conditions, cost-saving procedures, and evolving artistry at the U.S. Mint. John Reich’s design marked a departure from neoclassical ideals and offered a more Americanized vision of Liberty and national identity. The half dollar denomination itself was instrumental in shaping the financial infrastructure of the young republic, used daily in commerce and trusted as a store of value. Owning a certified example from this era is akin to holding a tangible piece of American monetary history.
In conclusion, the Certified 1808/7 Bust Half Dollar graded G6 by NGC is a historically rich, visually engaging coin that represents both a minting anomaly and a foundational piece of early American coinage. With its unmistakable overdate feature, well-worn but intact design elements, and NGC-certified authenticity, this coin is an ideal addition for collectors of early U.S. silver, type sets, or error varieties. Though it bears the marks of age and circulation, it remains a proud survivor of America’s formative numismatic years and continues to tell the story of the nation’s development through its silver-clad surface.