1839 Proof Capped Bust Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,825 AU Details 11-06-2019 eBay

Description

The 1839 Proof Capped Bust Half Dollar is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total 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 final year of the Capped Bust Half Dollar before the Seated Liberty design replaced it. Only the small-type reeded-edge version was struck. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $1,825 AU Details 11-06-2019 eBay. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.36 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6227.