Capped Bust Half Dime Values
How Much Capped Bust Half Dimes are Worth: Capped Bust Half Dime Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $4,938 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $4,813 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $4,813 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $4,813 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $4,813 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $5,063 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Large 5C | -- | $103 | $124 | $155 | $238 | $345 | $615 | $1,200 | $1,618 | $3,400 | $4,813 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Small 5C | -- | $113 | $134 | $168 | $263 | $357 | $678 | $1,300 | $2,363 | $4,313 | $15,350 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Large 5C | -- | $113 | $134 | $168 | $276 | $382 | $728 | $1,453 | $1,978 | $6,815 | $9,688 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Small 5C | -- | $113 | $134 | $168 | $238 | $320 | $653 | $1,258 | $1,680 | $3,813 | $6,025 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Large 5C | -- | $108 | $131 | $168 | $238 | $332 | $653 | $1,175 | $1,643 | $4,438 | $10,225 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Small 5C | -- | $108 | $129 | $163 | $251 | $320 | $678 | $1,300 | $1,743 | $3,650 | $8,625 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 3/Inverted 3 | -- | $131 | $163 | $227 | $332 | $467 | $797 | $1,700 | $2,488 | $6,875 | $12,300 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Large 5C | -- | $113 | $134 | $168 | $263 | $370 | $678 | $1,300 | $2,005 | $6,938 | $15,350 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Small 5C | -- | $188 | $245 | $318 | $490 | $877 | $2,378 | $3,540 | $8,025 | $13,275 | -- |
History of the Capped Bust Half Dime
The Capped Bust Half Dime, minted from 1829 to 1837, revived the half dime denomination after a 24-year hiatus following the Draped Bust Half Dime (last issued in 1805). William Kneass, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed this coin. The redesign was part of a broader effort by the U.S. Mint to modernize coinage and improve strike quality. This series was relatively short-lived and was replaced in 1837 by the Seated Liberty Half Dime, which introduced a more refined and neoclassical design.
On the obverse, a left-facing Liberty wears a Phrygian cap, with “LIBERTY” inscribed on a ribbon. The reverse has an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with a shield on its chest, symbolizing strength and peace.
Rarest Coins in the Series
The 1829 Capped Bust Half Dime Small Date and the 1837 Small 5C variety are among the most sought-after issues in the series. Additionally, well-preserved high-grade examples, especially with proof-like surfaces, can command significant premiums at auction.
- 1829 Small & Large Date Varieties: The first-year issue features two distinct date styles.
- 1835 Small & Large 5C Varieties: Variations in the denomination’s size.
- 1837: The final year of the series before transitioning to the Seated Liberty design.
Notable Errors
- Repunched Dates (e.g., 1833): Some coins feature misaligned or repunched numerals.
- Overdates (e.g., 1836 3 over inverted 3): Some dies were repurposed, leading to visible overdated numerals.
On Capped Bust half dimes, “5C” refers to varieties distinguished by the size of the denomination numerals on the coin’s reverse. Specifically, “5C” stands for “5 cents,” appearing at the bottom of the reverse side.
Types of Collections
- Complete Date Set (1829-1837)
- Major Variety Set (Small Date, Large Date, Small 5C, Large 5C)
- Error and Minting Variety Set (repunched dates, overdates, inverted digits)
- High-Grade Set (Extremely Fine, Almost Uncirculated, Mint State)
- Die Marriage Set (collecting by LM die pairings)
- Type Set Inclusion (part of broader U.S. half dime or early coin type sets)
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Capped Bust Half Dimes provide a historic entry point for new collectors, particularly affordable circulated pieces available through auctions, estate collections, and established dealers. Look for clear Liberty details, well-defined eagle features, and distinct date numerals. Store these small silver coins in airtight or certified holders to protect them from oxidation and handling wear.
Advanced Collecting
Although the series has no particularly scarce regular-issue dates, it includes several rare die varieties and marriages that make advanced collecting more complex. High-grade pieces and rare varieties often require patience, expertise, and a higher budget. Completing a full die-marriage set or assembling a specialized collection is a long-term project for experienced collectors with a deep interest in the series.
Investment Potential
The Capped Bust Half Dime is a substantial investment choice due to its short mintage period, historical importance, and collector demand. Coins such as the 1829 Small Date, 1835 Large 5C, and 1837 Small 5C are in consistent demand, and high-grade certified pieces frequently draw strong bids.