Capped Bust $2.5 Gold Coin (1808-1834)
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Designer: John Reich
Composition: 91.67% gold; 8.33% silver & copper
Weight: 4.37g
Edge Type: Reeded
The design changed in 1808 from a turban to a more traditional cap with the word LIBERTY on the band. It is known as the “Capped Bust facing right” or Type 1, Large Cap (1808). The obverse features 6 star on the right and 7 stars on the left. The date below the bust. The reverse has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the edge and E PLURIBUS UNUM in a bar just over the eagle. The eagle has a shield on its chest and is holding arrows. Below the eagle is the demonination 2 1/2 D.
The 1821 Small Cap or Type 2, Large Diameter (1821-1827), redesign featured a smaller bust on the obverse with no cleavage, and a different face. There are 13 stars around the edge with the date below the bust. The reverse was the same as the 1808 coin which had UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the edge and E PLURIBUS UNUM in a bar just over the eagle. The eagle has a shield on its chest and is holding arrows. Below the eagle is the demonination 2 1/2 D.
In 1829, the Type 3, Small Diameter (1829-1834) coin was reduced in size again to 18.2 mm, and featured smaller letters and stars. The only change on the Overse a different face for the 3rd time. The reverse was the same only more condensed.
Coin Values: Because so many of these coins were melted the number available is small. Those prior to 1834 were called “Old Tenor” and are worth more. Those that are available are graded usually AU or less. A 1808 AU58 Gold $2.50 Capped Bust (Type1) sold for $130,000 while a 1821 AU58 Gold $2.50 Capped Bust (Type2) sold for $24,000 and a 1831 MS62 Gold $2.50 Capped Bust (Type3) sold for $14,000.
1808-Gold $2.50 Capped Bust (Type 1)
1821 Gold $2.5 Capped Bust (Type 2)
1834 Gold $2.5 Capped Bust (Type 3)