Capped Bust Half Dollars
Capped Bust Half Dollars represented the third design for the denomination, following the short lived Flowing Hair and Draped Bust designs. The present series was minted for a significantly longer duration from 1807 to 1839 and in generally higher numbers. Many coins of the series remain available for collectors in circulated condition, although gem examples and certain varieties can be extremely rare.
John Reich was the designer of the Capped Bust Half Dollar, which features a rendition of Liberty facing left. She wears a cap bearing the word “Liberty” with locks of curled hair falling to shoulder length. Thirteen stars surround with the date below. The reverse of the coin features an eagle with wings outstretched and talons grasping a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. A scroll contains the inscription “E Pluribus Unum”, the words “United States of America” and the denomination surround. The design was later modified by Christian Gobrecht for the final years of the series.
Specifications for the series were initially 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper with a weight of 13.48 grams and diameter of 32.5 mm. The edge was lettered with the denomination. With the change to a reeded edge in 1836, the specifications were changed to 90% silver and 10% copper with a weight of 13.36 grams and diameter of 30 mm. Coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint and the New Orleans Mint in the last year of the series.
Capped Bust Half Dollar Coin Specifications
| Dates: | 1807-1839 |
| Mints: | Philadelphia |
| New Orleans | |
| Composition: | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper (lettered edge 1807-1836) |
| 90% silver, 10% copper (reeded edge 1836-1839) | |
| Weight: | 13.48 grams (lettered edge 1807-1836) |
| 13.36 grams (reeded edge 1836-1839) | |
| Diameter: | 32.5 mm (lettered edge 1807-1836) |
| 30.0 mm (reeded edge 1836-1839) |