1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar

About the Capped Bust Half Dollar

The Capped Bust Half Dollar coin is one of the most popular coins in the United States. This silver coin, released in 1807, was minted until 1839 and can be easily identified by its distinct Liberty Bust on the obverse of the coin.

The design of the Capped Bust Half Dollar was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to replace the earlier Draped Bust Half Dollar, the first silver coin that the US has ever produced. The coin was minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and from 1815 onward in Charlotte and Dahlonega. Each branch had distinct differences in their minting, such as the placement of stars and other elements.

The obverse of the Capped Bust Half Dollar features a bust of Liberty, facing left, with a Phrygian-style cap on top of her head. On the left side of the coin, there is an inscription that reads “LIBERTY”. The circumference of the coin is encircled with 13 five-pointed stars, one for each original US state.

The reverse of the coin features a wreath of oak and laurel, which is encircled with an inscription that reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. In the center of the coin is the denomination expressed as “50 C”. Above Liberty’s head, there is a motto that reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.

The Capped Bust Half Dollar is considered a key cornerstone of US coinage, and is highly sought after by collectors. Its estimated value is based on the condition of the coin, with the rarest specimens only found in mint state condition. Such coins are highly sought after by even the most discerning collectors, as it's considered a valuable piece of US history.

The 1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar coin, has a total mintage of 3,629,820, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by John Reich. Made of silver (.8924) (.1076 copper), weighing 13.48 grams, with a diameter of 32.5 mm, and a thickness of 1.7 mm, and featuring a 1807-1813 lettered 1814-1831 lettered with star between dollar and fifty 1832-1836 lettered with vertical lines between words edge.

The obverse is the bust of liberty, facing left wearing a cap, which is referred to as a phrygian or freedom cap, a symbol of the american revolutionary war. liberty’s hair is curling and flowing gently downwards and a small part of her dress can be seen just below the neck. there are seven stars in front and six additional stars behind, representing the original thirteen states in the union. the headband carries the inscription liberty, and the date, slightly curved, is seen beneath the portrait. It reads “1808”. The reverse is an american bald eagle, with wings spread and a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its claws. a scroll above the eagle includes the motto e pluribus unum, and nearly fully around is the country name. the denomination, which is expressed as 50 c., is below the eagle. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM 50 C.”.