1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$52,875 MS66+ 11-15-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

Part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series, the 1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar is a half dollar from the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 1.4 million, this is a less common issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a mob cap or turban, designed by John Reich who worked as an indentured servant at the Mint and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM within a motto scroll. Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $147 to $12K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 13.5 grams, 32.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered: fifty cents or half a dollar edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6090.