Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839)

For three decades, John Reich’s classic Capped Bust design graced most silver U.S. coinage. But its first appearance was on the half dollars of 1807-1836. The obverse depicts Liberty with long, curling hair wearing a cloth cap held by a band that reads LIBERTY. 13 stars and the date of issue surround her. The reverse shows an American eagle with Union Shield, an olive branch and three arrows. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is on a banner above the eagle, with 50 C. below and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling the design. Each coin’s edge bears the denomination FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. Throughout the series, numerous modifications to the design created many varieties.

In 1836, steam-powered presses at the Philadelphia Mint led to a redesign of the half dollar. The new coins were slightly smaller but struck in 90% silver. John Reich’s Capped Bust design was also modified by Christian Gobrecht. The obverse still showed Liberty with long hair wearing a cloth cap, surrounded by 13 stars and the date. While the reverse still bore UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around an eagle with shield, olive branch and three arrows. But the banner and motto were gone, and the denomination changed to read 50 CENTS. Additionally, a reeded edge replaced the edge lettering that had graced earlier issues. In 1838, the denomination was changed to HALF DOL., creating a final variety for the series.