Capped Bust Half Dollar
109+ LuckyCoin collectors track this series
Spanning 1807 to 1839, the Capped Bust Half Dollar catalog contains 87 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar at just 1,200 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar at up to $370,000 in top grade.
Capped Bust Half Dollar Mintage by Year
Peak 6.5MCombined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
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.
Most-collected Capped Bust Half Dollar coins on LuckyCoin
Looking for coins from a specific year across every denomination? Browse US coin values by year →
Which Capped Bust Half Dollar coins do collectors actually own? See the 2026 rarity & ownership report →
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Capped Bust Half Dollar minted?
- The Capped Bust Half Dollar was minted by United States from 1807 to 1839.
- How many Capped Bust Half Dollar coins were minted?
- Across every year and mintmark, approximately 91,025,120 Capped Bust Half Dollar coins were struck.
- What mintmarks exist for the Capped Bust Half Dollar?
- Capped Bust Half Dollar coins were struck with the following mintmarks: O. Some years were also produced without a mintmark.
- What is the Capped Bust Half Dollar made of?
- The Capped Bust Half Dollar is made of silver (.8924) (.1076 copper), weighs 13.48 grams, and measures 32.5 mm in diameter.
- How much is a Capped Bust Half Dollar worth?
- Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $370,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.