Capped Bust Half Dollar Values
How Much Capped Bust Half Dollars are Worth: Capped Bust Half Dollar 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 181.7 | (None) Phil | Punctured Date | -- | $208 | $335 | $388 | $1,108.00 | $2,663.00 | $11,200.00 | $25,850.00 | $41,750.00 | $56,700.00 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Large Stars 50/20 | -- | $359 | $533 | $728 | $1,425.00 | $2,725.00 | $8,800.00 | $14,475.00 | $27,250.00 | $90,750.00 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Bearded Goddess | -- | $4,260.00 | $5,700.00 | $6,613.00 | $10,710.00 | $42,450.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Small Stars | -- | $404 | $794 | $990 | $1,875.00 | $4,345.00 | $16,160.00 | $31,400.00 | $48,400.00 | $88,500.00 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Large Stars | -- | $324 | $587 | $780 | $2,135.00 | $3,070.00 | $16,050.00 | $32,500.00 | $59,500.00 | $207,500.00 | $325,000.00 |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $150 | $199 | $299 | $558 | $1,378.00 | $6,245.00 | $8,638.00 | $13,070.00 | $22,400.00 | $39,150.00 |
| 1808/07 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $212 | $291 | $372 | $833 | $1,535.00 | $5,700.00 | $11,545.00 | $17,150.00 | $30,700.00 | $62,500.00 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $179 | $247 | $332 | $591 | $1,195.00 | $3,210.00 | $8,170.00 | $10,325.00 | $27,995.00 | $31,000.00 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | XXX Edge | -- | $285 | $371 | $520 | $1,063.00 | $2,548.00 | $11,775.00 | $36,150.00 | $55,100.00 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | III Edge | -- | $208 | $296 | $392 | $728 | $1,228.00 | $7,000.00 | $15,025.00 | $27,250.00 | $50,750.00 | $57,750.00 |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $135 | $190 | $350 | $560 | $960 | $3,335.00 | $6,905.00 | $10,875.00 | $27,100.00 | $49,500.00 |
| 1811/10 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $194 | $291 | $429 | $715 | $1,530.00 | $5,813.00 | $8,800.00 | $24,995.00 | $42,350.00 | $80,000.00 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $155 | $215 | $309 | $659 | $1,300.00 | $3,460.00 | $7,550.00 | $13,500.00 | $32,650.00 | $57,000.00 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $125 | $175 | $299 | $509 | $938 | $2,610.00 | $4,300.00 | $6,100.00 | $16,750.00 | $50,750.00 |
| 1812 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $132 | $172 | $233 | $529 | $792 | $2,575.00 | $3,680.00 | $5,230.00 | $12,200.00 | $18,995.00 |
| 1812/1 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $187 | $259 | $338 | $709 | $1,480.00 | $4,288.00 | $9,625.00 | $17,375.00 | $33,500.00 | -- |
| 1813 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $138 | $174 | $237 | $555 | $1,015.00 | $3,225.00 | $5,715.00 | $7,375.00 | $20,800.00 | $48,750.00 |
| 1813 | (None) Phil | 50C/UNI | -- | $227 | $337 | $459 | $1,010.00 | $1,515.00 | $4,290.00 | $10,490.00 | $14,750.00 | $45,250.00 | -- |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $164 | $213 | $400 | $799 | $995 | $3,213.00 | $4,840.00 | $6,750.00 | $31,495.00 | $37,100.00 |
| 1814/3 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $265 | $364 | $520 | $1,293.00 | $1,923.00 | $6,075.00 | $15,225.00 | $23,250.00 | $49,300.00 | $55,000.00 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | E/A | -- | $299 | $429 | $555 | $1,605.00 | $2,228.00 | $13,000.00 | $28,500.00 | $35,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1815/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,070.00 | $3,720.00 | $4,300.00 | $6,345.00 | $8,600.00 | $22,825.00 | $39,950.00 | $97,900.00 | $141,900.00 | $224,000.00 |
| 1817 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $148 | $184 | $260 | $491 | $1,195.00 | $3,150.00 | $6,125.00 | $9,500.00 | $20,750.00 | $38,450.00 |
| 1817/3 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $337 | $558 | $689 | $1,325.00 | $2,835.00 | $7,810.00 | $32,995.00 | $30,850.00 | $53,400.00 | -- |
| 1818 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $133 | $186 | $236 | $480 | $963 | $2,935.00 | $4,980.00 | $6,950.00 | $13,995.00 | $27,275.00 |
| 1818/7 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $145 | $203 | $284 | $725 | $1,560.00 | $5,685.00 | $11,125.00 | $16,450.00 | $28,500.00 | $65,000.00 |
| 1818/7 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $158 | $219 | $277 | $675 | $1,305.00 | $4,068.00 | $6,970.00 | $14,525.00 | $28,500.00 | -- |
| 1819 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $118 | $159 | $237 | $407 | $855 | $2,740.00 | $4,980.00 | $8,000.00 | $17,850.00 | $74,750.00 |
| 1819/8 | (None) Phil | Small 9 | -- | $122 | $162 | $259 | $560 | $863 | $3,710.00 | $7,650.00 | $9,790.00 | $28,350.00 | $45,100.00 |
| 1819/8 | (None) Phil | Large 9 | -- | $140 | $212 | $330 | $520 | $790 | $4,180.00 | $8,163.00 | $10,460.00 | $30,495.00 | $64,350.00 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2, Small Date | -- | $182 | $272 | $388 | $648 | $1,010.00 | $6,200.00 | $16,200.00 | $22,000.00 | $33,750.00 | $55,000.00 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Sq. 2, Large Date, Knob 2 | -- | $177 | $233 | $310 | $723 | $1,375.00 | $5,465.00 | $11,675.00 | $21,300.00 | $37,900.00 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Sq. 2, Large Date, No Knob | -- | $165 | $207 | $259 | $572 | $1,024.00 | $4,290.00 | $12,100.00 | $21,000.00 | $54,750.00 | $84,900.00 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $83,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1820/19 | (None) Phil | Square Base 2 | -- | $158 | $194 | $298 | $860 | $1,250.00 | $6,640.00 | $14,525.00 | $18,725.00 | $36,500.00 | $49,500.00 |
| 1820/19 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $171 | $257 | $360 | $780 | $1,245.00 | $4,760.00 | $9,625.00 | $50,495.00 | $52,300.00 | -- |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $105 | $137 | $270 | $396 | $635 | $1,883.00 | $3,830.00 | $7,390.00 | $12,865.00 | $49,250.00 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | 2-4 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90,000.00 | $140,000.00 | $71,500.00 | $99,000.00 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $101 | $136 | $208 | $378 | $534 | $2,160.00 | $3,685.00 | $6,350.00 | $16,700.00 | $44,000.00 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90,750.00 | $175,000.00 | -- |
| 1822/1 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $122 | $157 | $233 | $623 | $1,120.00 | $3,288.00 | $4,700.00 | $10,650.00 | $45,495.00 | $67,000.00 |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $96 | $121 | $175 | $609 | $799 | $1,660.00 | $3,555.00 | $4,715.00 | $8,825.00 | $49,750.00 |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | Patched 3 | -- | $158 | $233 | $338 | $1,010.00 | $1,715.00 | $5,175.00 | $9,375.00 | $13,500.00 | $33,500.00 | -- |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | Ugly 3 | -- | $182 | $262 | $440 | $926 | $2,400.00 | $9,050.00 | $14,800.00 | $24,500.00 | $41,500.00 | -- |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | 2-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $96,250.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1824/1 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $158 | $194 | $233 | $390 | $663 | $3,570.00 | $8,330.00 | $9,850.00 | $27,550.00 | $26,400.00 |
| 1824/4 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $119 | $157 | $211 | $390 | $714 | $3,170.00 | $4,663.00 | $5,340.00 | $15,225.00 | $51,750.00 |
| 1824 | (None) Phil | Over Various Dates | -- | $122 | $157 | $211 | $507 | $1,300.00 | $3,888.00 | $7,570.00 | $12,795.00 | $25,350.00 | -- |
| 1824 | (None) Phil | 1-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $110,000.00 | $175,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $238 | $391 | $1,340.00 | $2,212.00 | $3,575.00 | $7,050.00 | $19,355.00 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85,000.00 | $100,000.00 | $150,000.00 | $207,000.00 |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $120 | $120 | $130 | $300 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,889.00 | $3,206.00 | $5,920.00 | $16,030.00 |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | 5-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $54,000.00 | $74,700.00 | $126,750.00 | -- |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | Square Base 2 | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $290 | $480 | $1,545.00 | $2,967.00 | $4,066.00 | $9,138.00 | $27,905.00 |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $107 | $121 | $164 | $448 | $600 | $2,130.00 | $4,440.00 | $9,390.00 | $23,995.00 | -- |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $67,750.00 | $83,500.00 | $121,750.00 | $240,000.00 |
| 1827/6 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $146 | $169 | $223 | $430 | $753 | $2,630.00 | $5,218.00 | $6,695.00 | $14,250.00 | $19,495.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2, No Knob | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $364 | $1,625.00 | $3,350.00 | $4,965.00 | $11,420.00 | $30,000.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2, Knob | -- | $112 | $147 | $213 | $404 | $880 | $2,600.00 | $4,175.00 | $7,345.00 | $12,450.00 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Square Base 2, Large 8s | -- | $92 | $111 | $157 | $302 | $473 | $1,425.00 | $3,475.00 | $4,965.00 | $15,350.00 | $32,500.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Square 2, Small 8s, Large Letters | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $415 | $1,468.00 | $2,384.00 | $3,456.00 | $6,420.00 | $24,750.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Square 2, Small 8s, Small Letters | -- | $182 | $220 | $299 | $593 | $1,038.00 | $3,653.00 | $8,295.00 | $11,313.00 | $31,950.00 | $39,600.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 6-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $280 | $353 | $1,240.00 | $2,134.00 | $3,956.00 | $8,170.00 | $18,970.00 |
| 1829/7 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $115 | $165 | $248 | $408 | $719 | $2,103.00 | $3,665.00 | $6,390.00 | $24,100.00 | $57,300.00 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Small O | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $400 | $1,115.00 | $1,917.00 | $3,344.00 | $6,475.00 | $20,830.00 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Large O | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $250 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,206.00 | $5,700.00 | $23,500.00 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $68,100.00 | $93,000.00 | $124,000.00 | -- |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $106 | $150 | $213 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,331.00 | $6,450.00 | $27,995.00 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | Small Letters | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,331.00 | $6,450.00 | $17,780.00 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | Large Letters | -- | $92 | $106 | $136 | $230 | $397 | $1,990.00 | $4,135.00 | $7,225.00 | $16,000.00 | $35,000.00 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | Est. 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $36,300.00 | $44,000.00 | $67,750.00 | $82,400.00 | $122,300.00 | $315,000.00 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $210 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,206.00 | $5,700.00 | $17,780.00 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | Crushed Lettered Edge, Est. 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $216,500.00 | -- |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Large Letters | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $200 | $353 | $1,203.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,206.00 | $8,325.00 | $19,030.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Small Letters | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,206.00 | $19,495.00 | $26,530.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Small Letters | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,206.00 | $7,200.00 | $24,995.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Est. 5-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $49,600.00 | $64,800.00 | $108,000.00 | $199,300.00 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $106 | $130 | $213 | $353 | $1,115.00 | $2,134.00 | $3,581.00 | $8,300.00 | $23,650.00 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80,000.00 | $74,750.00 | -- | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Lettered Edge | -- | $92 | $115 | $130 | $213 | $350 | $1,115.00 | $1,834.00 | $3,206.00 | $7,075.00 | $17,780.00 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 50/00, Lettered Edge | -- | $182 | $234 | $332 | $482 | $820 | $2,885.00 | $5,810.00 | $9,460.00 | $40,250.00 | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,605.00 | $2,130.00 | $2,600.00 | $3,775.00 | $4,840.00 | $10,625.00 | $20,938.00 | $42,050.00 | $74,700.00 | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Est. 6-10 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $59,500.00 | $75,250.00 | $116,250.00 | $226,250.00 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 50/00, Lettered Edge Est. 6-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $62,250.00 | $91,000.00 | $150,000.00 | $315,000.00 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 1836/1336 Overton 108, Est. 1-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $116,750.00 | -- | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Est. 10-15 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $22,400.00 | $35,550.00 | $55,900.00 | $77,750.00 | $126,750.00 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $99 | $128 | $172 | $345 | $553 | $1,410.00 | $3,180.00 | $5,655.00 | $15,425.00 | $41,500.00 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Est. 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $95,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $104 | $135 | $172 | $340 | $541 | $1,585.00 | $3,555.00 | $6,155.00 | $20,275.00 | $49,000.00 |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | 5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $186,750.00 | $325,000.00 | $335,000.00 |
| 1838 | O | Est. 10 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | $302,500.00 | $390,000.00 | $412,500.00 | $585,000.00 | $753,750.00 | -- | -- |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $104 | $135 | $175 | $392 | $722 | $1,970.00 | $4,120.00 | $7,300.00 | $30,700.00 | $66,100.00 |
| 1839 | O | -- | -- | $949 | $1,366.00 | $1,700.00 | $2,585.00 | $4,025.00 | $11,790.00 | $18,950.00 | $30,150.00 | $76,900.00 | $153,000.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Est. 1-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100,000.00 | -- | -- | -- | $275,000.00 | $375,000.00 | -- |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust, Small Letters | -- | $30,850.00 | $41,800.00 | $64,500.00 | $108,500.00 | $139,750.00 | -- | $250,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
History of the Capped Bust Half Dollar
The Capped Bust Half Dollar, struck from 1807 to 1839, stands as an iconic silver coin from the early days of the United States Mint. Designed initially by John Reich, the coin featured Liberty wearing a Phrygian-style cap inscribed with “LIBERTY” across the headband. The reverse displayed a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast.
The first subtype, the Lettered Edge Half Dollar (1807–1836), bore the edge inscription “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR”. The arrival of the mint’s steam press in 1836 brought greater precision and uniformity to minting. This change let the mint transition over the course of 1836 to the Reeded Edge Half Dollar (1836–1839), which had a slightly reduced diameter and a milled edge instead of lettering.
Over its three-decade run, the series saw stylistic refinements from John Reich and William Kneass, culminating in Christian Gobrecht’s 1836 redesign for the Reeded Edge subtype. Before 1836, these coins were produced in an era when dies were engraved by hand, giving rise to countless varieties, overdates, and die states, which makes the series of particular interest to specialists.
Rarest Coins in the Series
While the Capped Bust Half Dollar has many collectible dates, a handful stand out:
- 1817/4 Overdate: With perhaps only a dozen known examples, this is the most famous rarity in the series. This die blunder, with a 7 punched over a 4, is highly coveted by advanced collectors.
- 1838-O Reeded Edge: Struck at the newly established New Orleans Mint in minuscule numbers, this issue exists in the low double digits at most, making it one of the most celebrated US half dollars.
- 1815: The only year struck between 1815 and 1817 due to bullion shortages and mint difficulties. With a modest mintage of around 47,000, it is an important date for series completion.
- Other Notables: The 1812/1 (Large 8 and Small 8) and 1811/10 overdates, the various Large/Small Date and Letter varieties, and dynamic die breaks such as the “Bearded Goddess” attract strong premiums.
High-grade survivors, particularly those with original patina or proof-like qualities, are extremely rare and command significant attention in the marketplace.
Types of Collections
Collectors approach Capped Bust Half Dollars in a variety of ways, tailored to their interests and resources:
- Date Sets: A practical way to collect one example from each year, though dates like 1815 will be challenging.
- Red Book Variety Sets: Add major varieties, such as prominent overdates or large/small date types, to expand the challenge.
- Die-Marriage Collections: Using the Overton numbering system, enthusiasts target specific marriages within a year, some pursuing full runs across the series.
- Die-State Progressions: Specialists study how dies age, collecting early, middle, and late stages of a single die pair.
- Subtype or Type Sets: Collectors may focus solely on Lettered Edge or Reeded Edge examples, or acquire one of each for a type set.
- Pedigree and Provenance: Some collectors pursue coins with storied ownership, such as examples from the Eliasberg, Norweb, or Garrett sales.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginners, the series is approachable in VF to AU grades, with many affordable 1820s–1830s dates. Beginners are advised to seek problem-free, certified coins to avoid common pitfalls like cleaning or tooling. Learning the basics of attribution, such as edge type and date styles, provides a foundation for deeper study.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors can be challenged by die-marriage attribution and the intricate study of die states, cracks, and clashes. They often pursue condition census coins, proofs, and great rarities like the 1817/4 and 1838-O. Provenance research and building pedigreed sets also appeal to seasoned numismatists.
Investment Potential
The Capped Bust Half Dollar enjoys enduring collector demand due to its historical significance, rarity profile, and aesthetic appeal. Several factors influence its investment potential:
- Steady Demand: With crossover appeal among type, date, and variety collectors, the series maintains strong liquidity.
- Condition Sensitivity: Prices increase sharply in higher grades, with CAC-stickered coins or those with exceptional toning commanding premiums.
- Risks: As with all numismatics, counterfeit and altered coins exist, and shifts in collector preference can affect premiums. Coins with original surfaces and proven authenticity offer the most stability.
In the long run, Capped Bust Half Dollars remain a compelling choice for collectors and investors alike. Their deep historical roots, abundance of varieties, and enduring collector base ensure that they remain at the heart of early American coinage studies.