Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807–1839)
Mint Location: Philadelphia and New Orleans (1838-1839)
Designer: John Reich
Composition: 89% silver; 11% copper
Weight: 13.48g
Edge Type: Lettered & Reeded depending on year
The Capped Bust obverse features Liberty facing left, wearing a cap secured at the base with a ribbon or band inscribed LIBERTY, with tresses falling to her shoulder. Her low neckline is draped in a cloth or a gown and is secured by a brooch on her shoulder. Seven stars are to the left and six are to the right. The date is below.
The reverse depicts an eagle perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above on a scroll and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 50C surrounding. The edge displayed the lettering FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.
There are 3 design types with the Half Dollar coin; the Type 1, Lettered Edge (1807-1836, the Type 2, Reeded Edge, “50 CENTS” on Reverse (1836-1837), and the Type 3, Reeded Edge, “HALF DOL.” on Reverse (1838-1839).
Coin Values: Though there are rare dates in the Type 1 coins, most are available in grades Fine to Extremely Fine. Because there were no silver dollars during this time they were circulated between banks and suffered little wear. A slabbed 1807 MS62 coin sold for $5100 while a 1834 MS62 coin sold for $900. The 1838-O is one of the rarest Half Dollars with only 20 minted in proof stike.
1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar Type 1
1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar Type 2
1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar Type 3