1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar - 20/19 Square Base 2

Coin Details

Auction Record

$23,000 MS66 08-11-2011 Heritage Auctions

Description

Part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series, the 1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar - 20/19 Square Base 2 is a half dollar from the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of 751,122, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 6 mint variants, representing only 17% 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. Multiple Overton die varieties exist. The series had become the dominant circulating silver coin in American commerce. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1.3K to $43K 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 #6125.