1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar - 1817/3

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1817

Denomination

Half Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839

Designer

John Reich

Mintage

1,215,567

Composition

89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper

Weight

13.5g

Diameter

32.5mm

Edge

Lettered: FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR

Value Estimates

$178 - $5,645

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$61,688 MS64 07-11-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar - 1817/3 is part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. With a mintage of 1.2 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only 25% of total production. 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. The 1817/3 overdate, created by punching a "7" over an existing "3" in the date, is a notable early variety. The 1817/4 also exists. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $178 to $5.6K 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 #6111.