Coin

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1828) — United States

United States • 1828 • KM# 37, PCGS# 6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1828) — United States

Overview

A silver 50 Cents / ½ Dollar 'Capped Bust Half Dollar' standard circulation coin of the United States. Minted in 1828, it features the bust of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse. Designed by John Reich, the piece weighs 13.48 grams with a 32.5mm diameter. This specific variant features a curled-base '2' and knobbed '2'.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1828
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.

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.

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.

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