Designed by: John Reich
Issue Dates: 1807-1836
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 32.5 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams (208.02 grains)
Edge: Lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR
Business Strike Mintage: 82,339,124
Proof Mintage: 200 to 300

1807–1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar – Heraldic Classic with Timeless Appeal

Introduced in 1807, the Capped Bust Half Dollar marked a striking departure from the earlier Draped Bust design. Sculpted by John Reich, this iconic type showcases Miss Liberty facing left, adorned with a cap inscribed LIBERTY, her flowing tresses cascading to her shoulder. Her neckline is modestly draped and fastened by a brooch on her shoulder, a nod to neoclassical refinement. The obverse displays 13 stars—seven to the left and six to the right—encircling Liberty, with the date below.

The reverse features a boldly styled eagle perched on an olive branch, gripping three arrows, symbolizing strength in peace and readiness for defense. A scroll bearing the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM flows above, with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 50 C. forming the outer legend.

Struck from 1807 through 1836, this long-running type offers a wide array of collectible dates and die varieties, including Overtons, which are avidly pursued by specialists. While Uncirculated coins are rare—especially in high Mint State grades—most dates are readily available in Fine to Extremely Fine condition, with About Uncirculated (AU)examples being surprisingly accessible for many issues of the late 1820s and 1830s.

Coins from the earlier years, particularly 1807 through 1820, are often encountered in Good to Very Good conditiondue to extensive circulation. Weaknesses in strike are typical across the series, especially on the obverse stars, central high points of Liberty, and the scroll and feathers on the reverse.

Even among Mint State survivors, friction at the base of Liberty's bust—often from coin-to-coin contact in early bank storage—can limit the availability of flawless examples. Superb Gem Uncirculated pieces are true rarities and command strong premiums when offered.

Highly collectible and steeped in early American monetary history, the Capped Bust Half Dollar remains a foundational type for any serious U.S. coinage collection. It represents an era of expanding mint production and artistic maturity within the early federal series, making it a must-have for type collectors and series specialists alike.