1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$48,469 MS67 08-02-2012 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar is a half dollar produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. Total mintage reached 3.5 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, while 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. Designed by Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.36 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6177. John Reich's Capped Bust Half Dollar is one of the most variety-rich series in U.S. A cornerstone of U.S. type collecting. Overton die varieties provide deep specialization. The 1807 is the first year and the 1838-O (only 20 known) is an extreme rarity.
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.