1806 50C Draped Bust Half Dollar, Large Eagle, NGC AU58 - Iconic, Classic Design

It is with pleasure that we at AUCM present for sale an eye-catching specimen from the presidency of Thomas Jefferson: an 1806 Draped Bust half dollar, Large Eagle, graded NGC AU58. This issue was struck in the penultimate year of the short-lived Draped Bust, Large Eagle half dollar series (1801-1807). John Reich's Capped Bust half dollar made its debut the very next year (1807). The discerning numismatist knows that a piece such as this is to be held onto and cherished for many years.

According to numismatic legend, the Draped Bust motif of Liberty was created by the noted portrait artist Gilbert Stuart, possibly at the insistence of George Washington himself. Stuart's model is said to have been Ann Willing Bingham, a Philadelphia socialite considered among the most beautiful women of her time. Stuart's rendering was transferred to plaster by artist John Eckstein, followed by coinage dies executed by mint chief engraver Robert Scot. We are told that Stuart felt the execution of his image into a coin was comparable to one performed by a hangman, resulting in the murdering of the artistry of his work. That is why he disowned his connection with the coin's design and most people today assume it was completely the work of Scot.

The reverse features a heraldic eagle, an adaptation by Robert Scot of the eagle featured on the diplomatic medal crafted by French medalist Augustin Dupre. 13 stars are also found on the reverse, hovering above the eagle. Puffy clouds appear above the stars, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 50 C. are engraved around the rim. A shield is located upon the eagle's breast, while a ribbon in its beak declares E PLURIBUS UNUM. Warlike arrows are grasped firmly in his right talon, while the olive branch of peace is held firmly in his left.