1819 Capped Bust Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1819 Capped Bust Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series — 12th of 32 years in the series. In 1819, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 6.6 million. This ranks 22nd of 32 years by total mintage, above the series median of 5.0 million. 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. Struck during a period of national unity and westward expansion following the War of 1812, as the U.S. grew in confidence and territory. 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. Produced 4 years after the celebrated 1815 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $116 to $7.2K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $50K in MS65+ grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Reich.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
