Coin

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1832) — United States

United States • 1832 • KM#37, PCGS#6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1832) — United States

Overview

A silver 50 Cents (Half Dollar) Capped Bust coin of the United States, minted in 1832 (large letters variety) with a mintage of 4,797,000 pieces. Designed by John Reich, the obverse features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, symbolizing the American Revolutionary War. The reverse depicts an American Bald Eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch. It is struck in silver with a lettered edge by the Philadelphia Mint.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1832
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 4,797,000. 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.

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