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1866 Half Eagle - 1908 Half Eagle: Set of Two Half Eagles

The numismatic adventure can be enriched by acquiring groups of coins in meaningful combinations. Sets of coins can run from two pieces to many. In the areas of rare date and early silver and gold coins we have established certain sets of special interest. They include the first and last of an issue, type sets, design sets, year sets, and those that are joined by historical events such as the Civil War. The coins of each set are specially selected for you and your collecting needs.

We are specialists in this area and will expertly and confidentially help you assemble a set similar to the one you see below, which is made up of pieces from the US Rare Coin Investments’ archives. We will cherry pick through millions of dollars of rare coins selecting only the finest quality pieces for your collection.

A Set of First and Last Half Eagles, Liberty Head Type 2, 1866 to 1908

In 1866 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to all United States coinage large enough to accommodate it. The half eagle was among those receiving the new motto and gaining a new type as a result. The motto was added to a banner designed by James B. Longacre above the eagle on the reverse. The change was made in response to pressure organized by the Reverend M.R. Watkinson. Both before and during the Civil War almost a dozen Protestant denominations pressured Congress to add references to God to the Constitution and other government documents. Reverend Mark Richards Watkinson was the first to write to Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase to request that God’s name be added to our coinage.

His suggestion for a motto was “God, Liberty, Law.” Chase ordered Mint Director James Pollock to prepare a suitable motto. Pollock’s suggestions included “Our Trust Is In God,” “Our God And Our Country,” and “God Our Trust.” Then Chase decided on “In God We Trust” to be added to most of the nation’s coinage. This motto was a subtle reminder that the North considered itself on the side of God with regard to the issue of slavery. A new law was required to allow the motto to be added since previous acts of Congress specified the mottos and devices that were permitted on coins. The new motto was placed on all coins that were deemed sufficiently large enough.

1866 Half Eagle1866 Half Eagle - The 1866 With Motto issue is very rare in all grades. It is usually seen in VF to XF grades. Only a few are known in Mint State.

This rare, low mintage, first-year-of-type, near-Mint State 1866 With Motto half eagle is well struck and lustrous within the devices of both sides of the coin. There are full details on the centers of the stars, the highest points of Liberty’s hair, the eagle’s neck, and the area to the lower left of the shield. Just a touch of wear keeps this coin from an Uncirculated grade. The surfaces are original and clean for the grade with no individually distracting abrasion marks.

Approximate cost: VF $725; AU50 $3,750; MS60 $13,130; MS62 $23,130


1908 Half Eagle1908 Half Eagle - The last year of issue, 1908, was a transitional year because the Indian Head type half eagle was also produced in the same year. The Liberty Head for this year is among the most common dates and make excellent type coins.

This last year of type, gem Philadelphia minted 1908 half eagle is lustrous and bright with extremely clean fields. It is original and virtually mark-free on both sides. The strike is extremely sharp with full details seen on the highest points of Liberty’s hair, the centers of the stars, and the area to the lower left of the shield. When a coin is so appealing, it is difficult to determine why it did not grade considerably higher.

Approximate cost: VF $530; AU50 $580; MS60 $625; MS63 $1,000


Interested in working with us in purchasing a set like this? CONTACT US HERE !




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