Coin

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1827) — United States

United States • 1827 • KM# 37, PCGS# 6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1827) — United States

Overview

A silver 50 Cents (½ Dollar) 'Capped Bust Half Dollar' coin of the United States, minted in 1827. This specific issue is the 'overdate 7/6' variety. The obverse features the bust of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, while the reverse displays a Bald Eagle. Composed of silver and copper with a lettered edge.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1827
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.
  • 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 1827, the United States was experiencing the 'Era of Good Feelings' tail-end and the expansion of the western frontier. The Capped Bust half dollar served as the workhorse of the American economy, as silver dollars were not being minted during this period. These large silver coins were frequently used in bank transfers and international trade to settle significant debts.

Design heritage

Engraver John Reich designed both faces of the coin, featuring a left-facing Liberty in a Phrygian cap and a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch. The imagery emphasizes the republican values of the early United States, utilizing thirteen stars to represent the original colonies. The denomination is uniquely expressed on the reverse as '50 C.' rather than a dollar fraction.

Varieties and technical notes

Collectors of this series often focus on the lettered edge, which was applied using a Castaing machine before the planchet was struck. For the 1827 issue, researchers identify numerous die marriages characterized by the specific placement of stars and the shape of the digits in the date. Specimens should be examined for 'Square Base' versus 'Curled Base' digits or variations in the motto scroll.

Survival and modern availability

While the Philadelphia Mint produced a significant volume of half dollars in 1827, many were subject to heavy circulation or melting for their high silver content during later currency reforms. High-grade examples remain available to collectors due to the practice of hoarding these large coins in bank vaults. The milled edge lettering often shows wear first, which can help determine the original circulation life of a specific specimen.

More from United States

Other 50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" issues

Explore more

Browse more items in the full catalog or view United States in the country guide.