1812 $5 Capped Bust NGC AU55 CAC

The 1812 $5 Capped Bust Half Eagle stands as a testament to the artistry and resilience of America’s early coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the tense days of the War of 1812, it carries both historical and numismatic prestige.

The coin’s Capped Bust to Left design, crafted by German-born engraver John Reich, captures the neoclassical elegance of the early 19th century. Liberty faces left, her cap inscribed with “LIBERTY,” encircled by thirteen stars for the original colonies. The date—1812—anchors the obverse. The reverse presents a bold heraldic eagle with a Union shield at its chest, olive branch and arrows in its talons, and the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above.

This offering is graded AU55 by NGC, meaning it retains nearly Mint State detail with only the lightest traces of wear. Adding to its appeal, it carries the prestigious CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) green sticker, an endorsement reserved for coins that are high-end for their grade and visually superior to typical examples.

The 1812 Half Eagle belongs to the final year of the “Capped Bust to Left” design type, which ran from 1807 through 1812. With a reported mintage of 58,087 pieces, its survival rate is low particularly for quality examples. Many were melted due to the unfavorable gold-to-silver ratio that plagued early U.S. coinage. At the time, U.S. gold coins were worth more abroad than their face value, leading to large-scale exportation and destruction.

Owning an 1812 $5 Half Eagle is like holding a chapter of American history in your hands. In that year, James Madison was President, tensions with Great Britain had boiled over into war, and the young nation was asserting its independence both on the battlefield and in commerce. Gold coins from this period were used in significant transactions land purchases, trade deals, and major financial agreements Making each survivor a direct link to the nation’s formative years.

This particular coin exhibits warm, original color with strong luster and well-preserved devices. The strike is crisp, and the light wear is confined to the highest points. The surfaces show natural character without the distractions often seen on lesser-graded pieces. The CAC seal affirms that this piece ranks among the most desirable AU55s known.