What is a Bust Half Dollar?
Coin minted by the US Mint from 1794 until the late 1830s. Due to their age, this coin is scarce with high numismatic value.
The Bust Half Dollar was the first type of half dollar to be struck by the U.S. Mint. Concerning artistic design, bust coins must include the subject’s head, part of the subject’s chest, and at least one shoulder. Due to their popularity, age, and limited numbers bust half dollars are both difficult to find and can be very expensive. The U.S. Mint continues to strike U.S. half dollars including the bust as collectible items even though half dollars are no longer commonly used as a legal tender and have not been greatly circulated.
There are multiple types of bust half dollars, including the following that enjoy higher popularity:
- Flowing Hair Half Dollar
- Draped Bust, Small Eagle Half Dollars
- Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle Halves
- Reich ‘Lettered Edge’ Half Dollars
The price a collector can expect to pay for a Bust Half Dollar depends on multiple factors. However, the mint year is generally the number one factor that drives cost. Busts that were struck between the first mint date of 1794 through to the 1800s are considered very valuable and command much higher prices. Also, the silver content of bust half dollars can vary depending on the mint date. From the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s, the U.S. Mint struck all half dollars with a silver content of approximately 89%. However, after 1836 the U.S. Mint changed the composition for half dollars to be 90% silver and 10% copper.
Since Bust half dollars have kept their value over time, collectors can be confident in buying and holding busts as sold investment pieces. The price range for Busts can range drastically, with prices anywhere from $40 to over $30,000.
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