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 | $2,738 | $11,200 | $24,750 | $33,050 | $44,250 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Large Stars 50/20 | -- | $346 | $520 | $753 | $1,425 | $2,475 | $8,800 | $13,975 | $49,995 | $90,750 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Bearded Goddess | -- | $4,480 | $7,300 | $8,680 | $13,000 | $39,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Large Stars | -- | $324 | $612 | $789 | $2,185 | $3,195 | $16,050 | $31,250 | $54,500 | $195,000 | $312,500 |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Small Stars | -- | $404 | $794 | $990 | $1,950 | $3,845 | $14,160 | $30,150 | $45,900 | $88,500 | -- |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $137 | $179 | $299 | $595 | $1,328 | $5,120 | $6,888 | $10,320 | $22,400 | $35,400 |
| 1808/07 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $200 | $291 | $410 | $803 | $1,508 | $5,838 | $10,513 | $15,350 | $27,250 | $52,000 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $166 | $234 | $332 | $628 | $1,245 | $3,210 | $8,170 | $11,075 | $27,995 | $31,000 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | XXX Edge | -- | $285 | $371 | $520 | $1,288 | $2,423 | $9,275 | $29,900 | $47,600 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | III Edge | -- | $208 | $296 | $379 | $728 | $1,328 | $7,000 | $13,275 | $24,750 | $49,500 | $57,750 |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $125 | $197 | $285 | $500 | $880 | $3,085 | $6,225 | $10,210 | $29,600 | $49,500 |
| 1811/10 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $194 | $291 | $429 | $728 | $1,480 | $5,563 | $8,800 | $22,495 | $34,850 | $65,000 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $143 | $202 | $296 | $659 | $1,300 | $3,460 | $7,300 | $13,000 | $30,150 | $54,500 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $125 | $175 | $324 | $534 | $1,038 | $2,560 | $4,675 | $5,725 | $18,000 | $49,500 |
| 1812 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $125 | $172 | $233 | $500 | $767 | $2,450 | $3,570 | $4,565 | $12,725 | $18,995 |
| 1812/1 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $182 | $259 | $338 | $734 | $1,480 | $4,288 | $9,625 | $18,125 | $31,000 | -- |
| 1813 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $143 | $179 | $262 | $550 | $957 | $3,295 | $5,510 | $6,780 | $20,750 | $43,750 |
| 1813 | (None) Phil | 50C/UNI | -- | $215 | $324 | $484 | $1,010 | $1,590 | $4,290 | $9,990 | $17,150 | $47,000 | -- |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $164 | $205 | $291 | $767 | $1,076 | $2,963 | $4,840 | $7,250 | $17,300 | $34,600 |
| 1814/3 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $252 | $352 | $520 | $1,343 | $1,923 | $5,700 | $14,475 | $22,000 | $44,300 | $55,000 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | E/A | -- | $285 | $415 | $507 | $1,343 | $2,463 | $13,000 | $26,000 | $33,750 | -- | -- |
| 1815/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,070 | $3,845 | $4,440 | $6,830 | $9,790 | $22,825 | $43,700 | $97,900 | $148,000 | $229,500 |
| 1817/3 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $349 | $570 | $689 | $1,425 | $2,710 | $7,310 | $30,495 | $28,350 | $50,900 | -- |
| 1817 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $148 | $184 | $260 | $529 | $1,079 | $3,100 | $6,250 | $10,375 | $23,250 | $38,450 |
| 1818 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $128 | $173 | $223 | $450 | $924 | $2,880 | $5,205 | $6,450 | $10,375 | $22,275 |
| 1818/7 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $140 | $187 | $260 | $734 | $1,660 | $4,875 | $11,200 | $15,350 | $27,250 | $55,000 |
| 1818/7 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $158 | $219 | $277 | $675 | $1,355 | $3,818 | $6,970 | $14,525 | $26,000 | -- |
| 1819 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $114 | $157 | $226 | $404 | $825 | $2,615 | $4,895 | $9,130 | $16,640 | $69,250 |
| 1819/8 | (None) Phil | Small 9 | -- | $117 | $157 | $247 | $493 | $803 | $3,018 | $8,575 | $11,200 | $26,000 | $50,000 |
| 1819/8 | (None) Phil | Large 9 | -- | $135 | $187 | $296 | $520 | $803 | $3,680 | $9,413 | $11,460 | $28,895 | $53,100 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1820/19 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $158 | $244 | $360 | $780 | $1,245 | $4,760 | $11,625 | $31,300 | $49,800 | -- |
| 1820/19 | (None) Phil | Square Base 2 | -- | $158 | $194 | $310 | $885 | $1,300 | $6,390 | $14,525 | $19,225 | $36,500 | $49,500 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Sq. 2, Large Date, No Knob | -- | $153 | $207 | $272 | $584 | $1,024 | $4,040 | $11,350 | $21,000 | $54,750 | $82,400 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Sq. 2, Large Date, Knob 2 | -- | $169 | $233 | $310 | $748 | $1,300 | $5,090 | $12,175 | $21,300 | $35,400 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2, Small Date | -- | $182 | $272 | $388 | $698 | $1,010 | $5,200 | $12,450 | $19,500 | $31,250 | $45,000 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $115 | $121 | $198 | $500 | $587 | $1,855 | $4,010 | $6,249 | $11,995 | $49,250 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | 2-4 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85,000 | $100,000 | $71,500 | $99,000 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $101 | $134 | $230 | $390 | $559 | $1,910 | $2,935 | $6,225 | $16,200 | $44,000 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85,750 | $150,000 | -- |
| 1822/1 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $122 | $157 | $233 | $623 | $1,120 | $3,363 | $5,200 | $10,650 | $45,495 | $59,500 |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $94 | $121 | $165 | $330 | $603 | $1,660 | $3,680 | $5,340 | $9,825 | $48,500 |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | Patched 3 | -- | $158 | $233 | $338 | $1,010 | $1,715 | $5,175 | $9,125 | $14,250 | $31,000 | -- |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | Ugly 3 | -- | $169 | $249 | $440 | $988 | $2,475 | $8,800 | $14,800 | $23,250 | $39,000 | -- |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | 2-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $91,250 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1824 | (None) Phil | Over Various Dates | -- | $112 | $145 | $201 | $507 | $1,300 | $3,763 | $6,945 | $13,795 | $25,350 | -- |
| 1824 | (None) Phil | 1-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100,000 | $125,000 | -- | -- |
| 1824/4 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $107 | $145 | $201 | $415 | $689 | $2,795 | $4,288 | $5,090 | $13,975 | $49,250 |
| 1824/1 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $146 | $182 | $220 | $415 | $675 | $3,320 | $7,330 | $8,850 | $26,300 | $26,400 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $120 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,407 | $2,395 | $3,900 | $7,800 | $14,800 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $187,000 |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,082 | $1,868 | $2,850 | $6,291 | $21,613 |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | 5-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $54,000 | $72,200 | $109,250 | -- |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | Square Base 2 | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $391 | $1,495 | $3,100 | $5,038 | $15,495 | $34,875 |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $102 | $116 | $164 | $473 | $625 | $2,130 | $4,315 | $8,140 | $24,995 | -- |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $67,750 | $81,000 | $109,250 | $207,500 |
| 1827/6 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $146 | $169 | $211 | $443 | $803 | $2,630 | $5,343 | $6,945 | $14,250 | $19,495 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Square 2, Small 8s, Small Letters | -- | $169 | $208 | $299 | $568 | $1,038 | $3,653 | $8,795 | $12,313 | $30,700 | $39,600 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 6-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85,000 | $110,000 | -- | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2, Knob | -- | $104 | $142 | $191 | $429 | $880 | $2,600 | $4,175 | $6,970 | $13,200 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Square 2, Small 8s, Large Letters | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $415 | $1,185 | $1,938 | $2,960 | $5,810 | $26,000 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Square Base 2, Large 8s | -- | $85 | $106 | $147 | $302 | $473 | $1,425 | $2,975 | $4,590 | $15,350 | $31,250 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2, No Knob | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $377 | $1,550 | $2,975 | $4,840 | $12,670 | $30,000 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $85 | $140 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,232 | $2,188 | $2,850 | $6,810 | $19,113 |
| 1829/7 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $104 | $145 | $215 | $375 | $717 | $2,020 | $4,065 | $6,115 | $22,550 | $62,500 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Small O | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $450 | $1,082 | $1,895 | $3,238 | $8,835 | $19,663 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Large O | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,082 | $1,813 | $2,850 | $6,060 | $22,250 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $65,600 | $83,000 | $119,000 | -- |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $90 | $101 | $121 | $190 | $450 | $1,082 | $1,813 | $3,050 | $6,060 | $27,795 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | Est. 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $67,750 | $78,250 | $106,500 | $250,000 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | Large Letters | -- | $85 | $101 | $126 | $230 | $410 | $1,715 | $4,260 | $6,475 | $12,500 | $32,500 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | Small Letters | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $350 | $1,082 | $1,813 | $3,350 | $7,310 | $15,363 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $100 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,082 | $1,959 | $2,850 | $6,060 | $15,363 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | Crushed Lettered Edge, Est. 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $211,500 | -- |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Large Letters | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,107 | $1,813 | $2,850 | $7,825 | $16,613 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Small Letters | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $366 | $1,082 | $1,813 | $2,850 | $7,810 | $22,992 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Small Letters | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $200 | $366 | $1,082 | $1,813 | $2,850 | $6,560 | $19,113 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Est. 5-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $49,600 | $62,300 | $95,500 | $166,800 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $85 | $101 | $121 | $208 | $310 | $1,082 | $2,505 | $3,350 | $7,050 | $22,400 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | 4-6 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75,000 | $67,250 | -- | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Est. 10-15 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $22,400 | $41,500 | $55,600 | $72,750 | $121,750 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 1836/1336 Overton 108, Est. 1-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $109,250 | -- | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 50/00, Lettered Edge Est. 6-8 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $62,250 | $81,000 | $125,000 | $250,000 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Est. 6-10 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $59,500 | $72,750 | $103,750 | $193,750 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,480 | $2,130 | $2,600 | $3,775 | $4,245 | $10,843 | $18,938 | $42,050 | $74,700 | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | 50/00, Lettered Edge | -- | $182 | $247 | $352 | $507 | $858 | $2,960 | $6,060 | $10,650 | $39,000 | -- |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | Lettered Edge | -- | $85 | $130 | $121 | $230 | $366 | $1,082 | $1,813 | $2,850 | $6,685 | $16,613 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $116 | $168 | $324 | $529 | $1,289 | $3,889 | $5,660 | $14,974 | $96,645 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Est. 3-5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $130 | $168 | $299 | $537 | $1,289 | $3,195 | $6,865 | $19,635 | $46,500 |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | 5 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $174,250 | $300,000 | $310,000 |
| 1838 | O | Est. 10 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | $302,500 | $390,000 | $412,500 | $572,500 | $716,250 | -- | -- |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $92 | $124 | $170 | $357 | $675 | $1,895 | $4,120 | $7,300 | $30,700 | $66,100 |
| 1839 | O | -- | -- | $949 | $1,366 | $1,700 | $2,585 | $4,150 | $10,540 | $17,700 | $30,150 | $76,900 | $148,000 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Est. 1-3 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100,000 | -- | -- | -- | $250,000 | $350,000 | -- |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust, Small Letters | -- | $29,600 | $39,300 | $59,500 | $103,500 | $132,250 | -- | $250,000 | -- | -- | -- |
Capped Bust Half Dollar: Rarity and Legacy
The Capped Bust Half Dollar, minted from 1807 to 1839, represents a pivotal era in early American coinage. Featuring a bold and intricate design by John Reich, this coin reflects the growing identity of the young United States. With its high silver content, historical significance, and distinctive aesthetic, the Capped Bust Half Dollar remains a prized target for seasoned collectors and numismatic investors.
Historical Background and Evolution
Introduced in 1807, the Capped Bust Half Dollar was part of an effort to modernize U.S. coinage. Designed by John Reich, the coin’s obverse displays Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom, with “LIBERTY” inscribed above. The reverse features a powerful eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, conveying strength and peace.
The series saw two primary design changes:
- 1807-1836 (Large Diameter, Lettered Edge) – The original version, measuring 32.5 mm, with an edge inscription reading “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.”
- 1836-1839 (Smaller Diameter, Reeded Edge) – Introduced under Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, this revised version measured 30 mm and featured a standard reeded edge, a transition that paved the way for later half-dollar designs.
Why Collectors Seek the Capped Bust Half Dollar
Collectors pursue the Capped Bust Half Dollar for its historical importance, intricate engraving, and early American craftsmanship. With a relatively long mintage period, the series offers a variety of years, die varieties, and minting quirks that add to its allure. Coins with strong strikes, clear date impressions, and minimal wear are particularly valued.
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
- Where to Acquire Them: Found at major auctions, estate sales, coin conventions, and reputable numismatic dealers.
- Important Features: Look for bold strike details, well-preserved denticles, and even toning, as these enhance desirability.
- Storage Recommendations: Airtight holders or third-party grading slabs are ideal for long-term preservation due to their age and silver composition.
The Most Valuable Capped Bust Half Dollar
Among the most sought-after dates is the 1817/4 Capped Bust Half Dollar, a rare overdate variety with only a handful of known specimens. High-grade examples have commanded six-figure prices at auction, making it one of the most coveted rarities in the series.
Investment Appeal of Capped Bust Half Dollars
This series remains a compelling choice for investors due to its historic roots, silver content, and increasing market demand. Early U.S. coinage, especially in well-preserved condition, has seen steady appreciation, and the scarcity of high-grade Capped Bust Half Dollars further strengthens their investment potential.
Key Dates and Scarce Varieties
Enthusiasts often seek out some of these notable issues and key dates:
- 1815/2 Overdate – A transitional variety highly prized by specialists.
- 1823 “Broken 3” – Features a distinctively broken numeral in the date, adding intrigue.
- 1836 Reeded Edge – This issue marks the shift to a more modern minting process and is considerably rarer than earlier lettered-edge issues.
- Rare Errors: Look for double strikes, misaligned dies, and off-center strikes, which can significantly boost a coin’s value.
Design Significance and Artistic Merit
John Reich’s Capped Bust design boldly departed from earlier motifs, emphasizing realism and depth. The Phrygian cap, draped in fabric, exudes a neoclassical influence, while the detailed eagle on the reverse remains a defining symbol of early U.S. coinage. Later modifications by Christian Gobrecht refined the design, ensuring a lasting impact on American numismatic history.
Why Buy Capped Bust Half Dollars?
The Capped Bust Half Dollar is a testament to early American minting excellence. Whether sought for historical value, investment potential, or artistic beauty, this series offers something for every collector. Understanding key dates, die varieties, and preservation techniques will help numismatists make informed decisions when adding these classic coins to their holdings.