First year of the Capped Bust Type, with the slightly odd looking portrait of Liberty by John Reich, and a somewhat emaciated looking Eagle on the Reverse. These seemed to have had issues with strike and the design was quickly altered in late 1809 to the more familiar portrait and Eagle used until 1836/37. As such a distinct two-year Type, although not commonly accepted as such other than “rivet counters” (a non-coin reference). A nice circulated example with the over denomination showing clearly despite the wear, and astonishingly free to marks or damage considering the use it saw. Problem free examples carry a significant retail premium in the market, especially if certified - as an example, a current (Oct. 2025) listing from a well known national dealer has a PCGS F-12 example priced at $700, versus a PCGS guide value of $525. It is my impression that this coin should have no problems at any grading service if submitted, even uber-picky CACG.

1013-09