1821 Capped Bust $5

About the Capped Bust $5

The Capped Bust $5 coin was minted by the United States government between 1807 and 1834. These coins were designed by John Reich, and feature a portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse. The reverse of the coin displays the simple American eagle encircled by 5-pointed stars.

The Capped Bust $5 contains 27.5 grains of gold, and is the smallest of the American pre-federal coins. Its original face value was $5, but with gold having appreciated significantly in value over the centuries, the coins are worth much more in present day.

The Capped Bust $5 coins are often graded by organizations such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Standard coins of excellent condition may receive a grade of AU-55 or higher. Many collectors seek rare variants of this coin, such as the Overton-101 and the Overton-109. The primary difference between these variants is the shape of the eagle’s tail; the Overton-101 has pointed feathers, while the Overton-109 has rounded feathers.

Today, these coins are highly sought after by collectors, and especially rare variants may fetch prices ranging from several thousand to even several hundred thousand dollars. As such, the Capped Bust $5 coins are not only a beautiful piece of history but can make great investments as well.

The 1821 Capped Bust $5 coin, has a total mintage of 34,641, and struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint. Made of gold (.9167) (.0833 silver and copper), weighing 8.75 grams, with a diameter of 25 mm, and featuring a reeded edge.

The obverse is capped liberty facing left, surrounded by 13 stars, with the date below. It reads “LIBERTY 1813”. The reverse is heraldic eagle with union shield and holding 3 arrows and an olive branch, motto above. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM 5 D.”.