Coin

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1810) — United States

United States • 1810 • KM#37, PCGS#6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1810) — United States

Overview

A silver 50 Cents standard circulation coin of the United States, known as the 'Capped Bust Half Dollar'. Minted in 1810 with a mintage of 1,276,276 pieces. Features the bust of Liberty facing left on the obverse and an American Bald Eagle on the reverse.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1810
Composition
Silver (.8924) (.1076 copper)
Weight
13.48 g
Diameter
32.5 mm
Thickness
1.7 mm
Mint
United States Mint of Philadelphia
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM#37, PCGS#6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.
Issuer
United States

Design details

Obverse

The bust of Liberty, facing left wearing a cap, which is referred to as a Phrygian or Freedom Cap, a symbol of the American Revolutionary War. Liberty's hair is curling and flowing gently downwards and a small part of her dress can be seen just below the neck. There are seven stars in front and six additional stars behind, representing the original thirteen states in the Union. The headband carries the inscription LIBERTY, and the date, slightly curved, is seen beneath the portrait. Script: Latin Lettering: 1808 Engraver: John Reich

Reverse

An American Bald Eagle, with wings spread and a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its claws. A scroll above the eagle includes the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, and nearly fully around is the country name. The denomination, which is expressed as 50 C., is below the eagle. Script: Latin Lettering: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM 50 C. Translation: United States of America Out of Many, One 50 Cents Engraver: John Reich

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: John Reich is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: United States Mint of Philadelphia. Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 1,276,276. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
  • Precious metal content: Silver (.8924) (.1076 copper) — bullion value provides a price floor, and many circulated examples were melted during the 1979–1980 and post-2010 silver spikes, reducing the surviving population.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM#37, PCGS#6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

During 1810, the United States was expanding its domestic commerce under the Madison administration, which necessitated a steady supply of silver coinage. The Capped Bust Half Dollar served as the primary vehicle for high-value transactions and bank reserves because the silver dollar had been suspended from production in 1804. These coins were minted exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of rising tensions that eventually led to the War of 1812.

Design heritage

Engraver John Reich, a German immigrant, created the motifs for this series, introducing a left-facing Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The reverse features a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing the young nation's readiness for defense and its desire for peace. Reich's work represented a significant stylistic shift from the earlier Draped Bust designs, utilizing more robust, neoclassical elements.

Varieties and technical notes

Collectors often categorize 1810 issues by the size and style of the date digits or small variations in the lettering on the edge. Because these coins were struck using hand-engraved dies, minor differences in star placement and the orientation of the motto scroll are common characteristics. The lettered edge, which states the denomination, remains a critical area for inspection to confirm technical authenticity and die state.

Survival and modern availability

The 1810 mintage of over 1.2 million pieces was relatively high for the era, ensuring that specimens remain available for modern collectors across various grades. While many were heavily circulated or lost to silver melts during the 19th century, a significant number of mid-grade examples survived because half dollars were often stored in bank vaults rather than used in daily hand-to-hand transactions. Higher-grade pieces with original luster are notably scarce and highly sought after by type collectors.

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