Capped Bust Half-Dollars
(1807 - 1839)
The Capped Bust Half Dollar replaced the Draped Bust design in 1807, featuring Liberty wearing a soft cap inscribed “LIBERTY.” The design was created by John Reich, a German-born assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows.
From 1807 to 1836, these halves were struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, weighing approximately 13.48 grams. In 1836, improved steam-powered presses were introduced, and beginning in 1837 the composition was adjusted to 90% silver and 10% copper, with a slightly reduced weight of 13.36 grams. The later issues (1836–1839) are known as the Reeded Edge type, while earlier coins feature a lettered edge reading “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.”
Capped Bust halves are popular with both type collectors and variety specialists, especially those studying die marriages cataloged by Overton numbers. Earlier dates and certain varieties carry strong premiums, particularly in higher grades.
Check out dates & mintages Capped Bust Half-Dollars, below.Business Strikes
Type 1, Lettered Edge
1807 | 750,500
1808 | 1,368,600
1809 | 1,405,810
1810 | 1,276,276
1811 | 1,203,644
1812 | 1,628,059
1813 | 1,241,903
1814 | 1,039,075
1815 | 47,150
1817 | 1,215,567
1818 | 1,960,322
1819 | 2,208,000
1820 | 751,122
1821 | 1,305,797
1822 | 1,559,573
1823 | 1,694,200
1824 | 3,504,954
1825 | 2,943,166
1825 | 2,943,166
1826 | 4,004,180
1827 | 5,493,400
1828 | 3,075,200
1829 | 3,712,156
1830 | 4,764,800
1831 | 5,873,660
1832 | 4,797,000
1833 | 5,206,000
1834 | 6,412,004
1835 | 5,352,006
1836, Lettered Edge | 6,545,000
Type 2, Reeded Edge, "50 CENTS" on Reverse
1836, Reeded Edge | 1,200
1837 | 3,629,820
1838 | 3,546,000
1838-O | 20
1839 | 1,392,976
1839-O | 178,976
If You Collect U.S. Half-Dollar Coins, Check Out The ‘U.S. 20th Century’ Type Set!
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