1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar - Lettered Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

$77,000 GEM 06-01-1997 Spink America

Description

The 1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar - Lettered Edge is a half dollar minted at the Philadelphia Mint, within the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. The U.S. Mint produced 6.5 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 50% of 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. Transitional year — both the large-type (lettered edge) and small-type (reeded edge) were produced, creating two major collecting types. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $1.2K to $25K 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 #6169.