1839 Capped Bust, Small Letters 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
$85,188 VF25 09-02-2021 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1839 Capped Bust, Small Letters 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 1.4 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 #6180. 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.
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