1821 Proof Capped Bust Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$82,250 PR67* 01-09-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1821 Proof Capped Bust Half Dollar is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with less than 1% 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. Struck during a period of national unity and westward expansion following the War of 1812, as the U.S. grew in confidence and territory. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $82,250 PR67* 01-09-2013 Heritage Auctions. 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 #6196.