Capped Bust Half Eagle Values
How Much Capped bust Half Eagles are Worth: Capped bust Half Eagle 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust | -- | -- | $4,370 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,900 | $14,385 | $22,825 | $36,800 | $98,250 | $175,050 |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4,000 | $4,370 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,790 | $14,275 | $27,775 | $44,500 | $95,500 | -- |
| 1808/7 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $4,370 | $5,560 | $7,910 | $10,900 | $19,638 | $41,750 | $63,875 | $145,250 | -- |
| 1809/8 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4,000 | $4,464 | $5,426 | $7,831 | $11,995 | $14,825 | $29,450 | $56,400 | $95,500 | $169,550 |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Tall 5 | -- | -- | $3,740 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,790 | $14,550 | $32,900 | $70,500 | $182,500 | -- |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Large 5 | -- | -- | $3,740 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,790 | $14,275 | $25,850 | $39,000 | $101,000 | $207,500 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Small 5 | -- | -- | $4,370 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,790 | $14,275 | $26,125 | $36,800 | $95,500 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Tall 5 | -- | $4,000 | $4,370 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,790 | $14,275 | $29,495 | $44,495 | $117,500 | $215,750 |
| 1812 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $4,370 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $9,790 | $14,275 | $22,825 | $36,800 | $95,500 | $169,550 |
| 1812 | (None) Phil | BD-1, Wide 5D 300-400 Known SRS: R3 | -- | -- | $5,000 | $6,000 | $8,500 | $11,000 | $17,000 | $27,500 | $40,000 | $125,000 | $250,000 |
| 1813 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $5,063 | $6,363 | $9,488 | $11,065 | $17,650 | $27,100 | $45,900 | $127,250 | $202,000 |
| 1814/13 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $4,620 | $5,940 | $10,013 | $12,500 | $24,750 | $47,000 | $70,500 | $137,500 | -- |
| 1815 | (None) Phil | 11-13 Known | -- | -- | $93,500 | $137,500 | $253,000 | $291,500 | $448,000 | $705,000 | $896,000 | $1,382,500 | -- |
| 1818 | (None) Phil | 75-90 Known | -- | -- | $5,060 | $6,820 | $14,850 | $17,475 | $30,700 | $75,200 | $101,200 | $182,500 | $264,000 |
| 1819 | (None) Phil | 5D/50 15-20 Known | -- | -- | $27,500 | $38,500 | $63,600 | $76,600 | $153,500 | $265,500 | $356,750 | $498,000 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Base 2 Less than 100 Known | -- | -- | $4,620 | $5,940 | $12,500 | $16,325 | $33,200 | $63,625 | $80,250 | $149,100 | -- |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | About 15 Known | -- | -- | $27,500 | $44,000 | $70,250 | $114,750 | $221,250 | $351,250 | $448,000 | $589,000 | $757,500 |
| 1823 | (None) Phil | 70-90 Known | -- | -- | $4,620 | $8,470 | $14,050 | $16,650 | $30,150 | $55,600 | $70,000 | $337,500 | $500,000 |
| 1824 | (None) Phil | 30-35 Known | -- | -- | $7,150 | $11,550 | $32,900 | $40,100 | $59,750 | $127,250 | $177,000 | $318,000 | -- |
| 1825/4/1 | (None) Phil | 25-20 Known | -- | -- | $9,900 | $14,300 | $33,000 | $45,900 | $109,250 | $169,500 | $203,250 | $294,500 | -- |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | 30-35 Known | -- | -- | $5,500 | $11,000 | $23,650 | $32,625 | $77,150 | $159,000 | $203,250 | $304,250 | $585,000 |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | About 30 Known | -- | -- | $5,500 | $9,900 | $22,000 | $28,600 | $67,250 | $141,000 | $185,250 | $282,000 | $448,000 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 12-15 Known | -- | -- | $11,000 | $22,000 | $38,500 | $55,000 | $155,000 | $272,500 | $495,000 | $705,000 | -- |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | 8-9 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $137,500 | $286,000 | $614,000 | $777,000 | $967,500 | -- |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | 40-50 Known | -- | -- | $19,800 | $30,800 | $54,750 | $70,250 | $92,400 | $148,000 | $202,000 | $304,250 | $423,000 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | 22-26 Known | -- | -- | $19,800 | $30,800 | $49,500 | $70,250 | $96,250 | $195,000 | $233,750 | $304,250 | $396,000 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,250,000 | -- | -- |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, 35-40 Known | -- | $20,000 | $24,900 | $35,400 | $54,750 | $70,250 | $92,400 | $148,000 | $202,000 | $258,500 | -- |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4 | -- | -- | $24,900 | $35,400 | $57,250 | $71,350 | $89,600 | $166,000 | $249,000 | $275,000 | -- |
Capped Bust Half Eagle: Early U.S. Gold Coinage
The Capped Bust Half Eagle, minted from 1807 to 1834, featured Liberty now facing left. This series introduced a more naturalistic and refined depiction of Liberty, designed by John Reich. Due to its artistic appeal and evolving designs throughout its production, it remains one of the most historically significant and collectible early American gold coins.
The Evolution of the Capped Bust Half Eagle
Replacing the Turban Head Half Eagle, the Capped Bust Half Eagle was introduced in 1807 and designed by John Reich, who sought to modernize American coinage. Liberty, now facing left, wears a large, draped cap with more detailed facial features and flowing curls. The reverse continued using the heraldic eagle but with improved proportions and finer details. The series saw a transition in 1829, when it was reduced in size and struck with a more modernized look, adapting to minting advancements.
Collecting the Capped Bust Half Eagle
This half eagle series is highly desirable among collectors due to its historical significance, artistic merit, and relative scarcity. Early issues, especially those from the pre-1813 period, are particularly rare, while the later, smaller-sized issues of 1829-1834 offer more affordable entry points for collectors.
Collector’s Guide: Essential Tips
- Where to Look: Auctions, specialized coin dealers, and major numismatic events provide the best opportunities for acquiring well-preserved specimens.
- Key Features to Assess: Look for sharp details in Liberty’s cap and hair and a strong strike on the eagle’s wings and shield.
- Storage Recommendations: Due to its age and gold composition, encapsulation in certified holders ensures long-term protection.
Notable Rarities and Most Valuable Issues
The 1815 Capped Bust Half Eagle is one of the most famous rarities in U.S. numismatics, with only a few known examples. Additionally, early issues from 1807-1812 are scarce due to extensive melting over time. The later 1829-1834 issues, featuring the new reduced diameter, are more common but still command strong premiums in higher grades.
Investment Potential of the Capped Bust Half Eagle
With its historical importance, evolving designs, and rarity, the Capped Bust Half Eagle is a strong investment option. High-grade examples and rare dates frequently achieve record-breaking prices, and its appeal remains strong among numismatists and investors alike.
Key Dates and Rarities
- 1807 – The first year of the new design, highly collectible and historically significant.
- 1815 – One of the rarest U.S. gold coins, with only a handful of known survivors.
- 1829 – The introduction of the smaller-sized half eagle, marking a shift in U.S. coin production.
- 1834 Classic Head Transition – The final year before introducing the Classic Head design in the Liberty Half Eagle
The Design and Artistic Legacy
John Reich’s design for the Capped Bust Half Eagle is considered a masterpiece of early American coinage. The left-facing Liberty introduced a more naturalistic and lifelike representation, moving away from previous issues’ rigid, classical designs. While still featuring the heraldic eagle, the reverse displayed greater refinement and proportional balance. The reduced-size modifications of 1829 further enhanced the coin’s visual appeal and practicality.
A Hallmark of Early U.S. Gold Coinage
The Capped Bust Half Eagle is among the most celebrated early American gold coins. Whether pursued for its historical significance, investment potential, or numismatic artistry, this series offers collectors an exciting and rewarding challenge. From the early large-sized issues to the later refined versions, the Capped Bust Half Eagle remains a prized addition to any serious collection.