Coin

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1834) — United States

United States • 1834 • KM#37, PCGS#6086-6088, 6090-6097, etc.

50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (1834) — United States

Overview

A silver 50 Cents (Half Dollar) Capped Bust coin of the United States, minted in 1834 (small date, small stars, small letters variety). 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
1834
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 1834, the United States was in the midst of the Jacksonian Era, a period marked by significant debates over the Second Bank of the United States and the role of hard currency. The Capped Bust half dollar served as the workhorse of American commerce, often used for international trade and domestic bank reserves since smaller silver denominations were less prevalent. This specific year preceded the technical transition to the Gobrecht-inspired steam press designs, marking the final years of the manually intensive screw press era at the Philadelphia Mint.

Design heritage

Designer John Reich utilized an Allegorical Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom, to represent the young republic's ideals. The reverse features a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, signifying the nation's desire for peace and readiness for war. Reich's work is characterized by the integration of the thirteen stars and the presence of the 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' motto on a scroll above the eagle.

Varieties and technical notes

Collectors of the 1834 issue frequently focus on the 'Large Date' and 'Small Date' distinctions, as well as variations in the size of the stars and lettering on the reverse. The edge is lettered with the denomination, a feature typical of the series that requires inspection for centering and consistency. Because these were produced using individual dies, numerous sub-varieties related to die cracks and slight element shifts are documented in the Overton reference system.

Survival and modern availability

While the total mintage was significant for the period, many of these silver coins were subject to heavy circulation or were later melted during various bullion fluctuations in the 19th century. High-grade specimens are relatively scarce due to the soft silver alloy and the absence of modern protective numismatic practices during their initial release. Surviving examples often show typical wear on Liberty's cap and the eagle's wing tips, which are the highest points of the design.

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