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 20, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with less than 1% 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. The 1838-O Half Dollar, with only about 20 examples known, is one of the most famous U.S. coin rarities — the first half dollar struck at the New Orleans Mint. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins prized for their historical Southern provenance. Auction record: $763,750 SP64 01-08-2014 Heritage Auctions. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.36 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6226.