1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series — a late issue, 30th of 32 years in the series. In 1837, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 3.6 million. This ranks 12th of 32 years by total mintage, below 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. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.36 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $105 to $3.1K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $180K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
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.
