1812 $5 N1 Certification #50707214, PCGS #8112

Ron Guth

The 1812 Half Eagle survives in approximately the same numbers as all the other dates in the1807-1812 period (though there are specific major and die varieties that might be individually rarer).  In terms of the PCGS Population Report, the 1812 is slightly scarcer than the combined 1810 varieties, the combined 1811 varieties, and the 1807 Capped Bust.  Where the 1812 shines is on the high end of the condition scale.  The 1812 has the highest average Mint State grade of any 1807-1812 Half Eagle and the top ten examples in the PCGS ConFacts Condition Census range from an impressive MS64 to an amazing MS66. 

Most 1812 Half Eagles exhibit a strong strike, usually with all of the obverse stars defined nicely.  If there is any weakness, it is sometimes on the ribbon on the reverse, where the RI of PLURIBUS might be indistinct.  For type purposes, the 1812 Half Eagle is a great choice.

David Akers (1975/88)

This is the last year of the type and it is one of the more common dates of the type as well. it is of approximately the same overall rarity as the 1807, 1809/8, 1810 Large Date, Large 5 and is relatively available in all grades up to and including choice uncirculated. All 1812 Half Eagles have a small 5 in the denomination.