Capped Bust Half Dollar Values & Mintages

Grading tips

Look at the curls near the ear, the clasp at the shoulder and the eagle's neck and wings.

Reich's design and the 1807 transition

John Reich became assistant engraver in 1807 and introduced the Capped Bust half that year, so 1807 halves exist in both Draped Bust and Capped Bust styles. The 1807 also includes the blundered 50 over 20 C. variety, where the engraver first punched the wrong numerals. The early coins kept the lettered edge reading FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.

Overdates and the end of the lettered edge

Overdates fill the series. The 1815/2 is the only date of that year and the 1817/4 is a great rarity known by just a handful of coins. In 1836 Gobrecht's version, struck on a steam press with a close collar, introduced the reeded edge and a smaller diameter. The 1836 and 1837 reeded-edge coins read 50 CENTS. In 1838 and 1839 the reverse changed to HALF DOL. Collectors use Al C. Overton's reference on early half dollars to attribute die marriages. Many specialize in completing as many Overton varieties as possible.

Frequently asked questions