Capped Bust Half Dollar Value
1807–1839 · 50¢ · 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $50.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $80.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $200.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $800.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $2,400 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $12,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1815/2 | Overdate — only 47,150 struck, key to the series | $200–$10,000 |
| 1817/4 | Overdate variety, very scarce | $2,000–$25,000 |
| 1836 Reeded Edge | First year of new edge style with only 1,200 struck | $1,500–$20,000 |
| 1807 | First year of type — collector favorite | $100–$3,000 |
| 1838-O | First New Orleans Mint half dollar, only 20 known | $10,000–$200,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- John Reich
- Years
- 1807–1839
- Denomination
- 50¢
- Composition
- 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Diameter
- 32.5 mm
- Weight
- 13.48 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Capped Bust Half Dollar: History & Background
The Capped Bust Half Dollar was designed by German immigrant John Reich, who was hired as an assistant engraver at the US Mint. The obverse features Liberty wearing a mobcap or Phrygian cap with flowing hair, while the reverse shows a heraldic eagle. Two major subtypes exist: the Lettered Edge variety (1807–1836) and the Reeded Edge variety (1836–1839). The series is famous for its many die varieties, cataloged extensively in the Overton reference guide, making it a favorite among variety collectors. These coins circulated heavily as the primary large silver denomination of the early republic.
How to Grade a Capped Bust Half Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Capped Bust Half Dollar Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Capped Bust Half Dollars is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $50.00 in Poor to $800.00 in Uncirculated — a 16× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $2,400 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Capped Bust Half Dollar series has 5 notable key dates. The 1815/2 is valued at $200–$10,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper and a weight of 13.48g, the Capped Bust Half Dollar carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust Half Dollar (32.5mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Capped Bust Half Dollar
The Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807–1839) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by John Reich, this 50¢ coin was struck in 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper with a diameter of 32.5mm and weight of 13.48 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Capped Bust Half Dollar series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $200.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 5 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Capped Bust Half Dollar in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $2,400+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Capped Bust Half Dollar valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Capped Bust Half Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Capped Bust Half Dollar worth today?
A Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807–1839) is worth between $50.00 in Poor condition and $800.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $200.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $2,400 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Capped Bust Half Dollar?
The most valuable Capped Bust Half Dollar is the 1815/2 — overdate — only 47,150 struck, key to the series. This date is valued at $200–$10,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Grading a Capped Bust Half Dollar starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$200.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$800.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Capped Bust Half Dollars?
For common-date Capped Bust Half Dollars in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Yes. Known Capped Bust Half Dollar errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. This series has notable varieties such as the 1815/2. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Capped Bust Half Dollar is real?
Authentic Capped Bust Half Dollars weigh 13.48 grams and measure 32.5 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Capped Bust Half Dollar the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Capped Bust Half Dollars are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $720.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1815/2 command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Capped Bust Half Dollars were made?
The Capped Bust Half Dollar was produced from 1807–1839. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1815/2 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Never clean a Capped Bust Half Dollar or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Capped Bust Half Dollar a good investment?
Capped Bust Half Dollars in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Capped Bust Half Dollar dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.