About the Coin
The Capped Bust, Lettered Edge half dollar (1807-1836) was the largest silver coin in circulation during its run as no silver dollars were produced from 1804 through 1836.
As such, the mintages were very high making the Capped Bust, Lettered Edge half dollar fairly common and very popular to collect today. There were very few years where the mintage did not exceed 1 million.
The key date, with only 47,150 struck, is the 1815. A fire at the mint caused damage that affected the mintage of half dollars that year.
This example from The Arlington Collection has unbelievable eye appeal. The fields have no major detracting marks for the grade and the coin has beautiful iridecent blue, green, and russett toning.
For a type that is commonly found with weak strikes from worn dies, this coin is very well struck. The ribbon with E PLURIBUS UNUM on the reverse is frequently soft in places. On this coin, you can see the ribbon and motto are sharply struck. Overall, just a beautiful coin.
This is one coin that I wish was in a NGC Edgeview holder. The lettered edge has the words FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. Unfortunately in the current holder, the edge is not visible.
Designer: John Reich
Weight: 13.48 grams
Diameter: approx. 32.5mm, lettered edge
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
PCGS Price Guide:
Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839)