1838 (O) Capped Bust Half Dollar - Special Strike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$763,750 SP64 01-08-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1838 (O) Capped Bust Half Dollar - Special Strike is a special strike half dollar struck at the New Orleans Mint, part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. With a mintage of only 20, this is an extremely rare issue. 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 #6226. 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.