How to Identify the Capped Bust Half Dollar
The Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839) shows Liberty wearing a cloth cap inscribed LIBERTY, produced first with a lettered edge and later a reeded edge.
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What It Is
The Capped Bust Half Dollar was struck from 1807 to 1839, designed initially by John Reich. It falls into two major sub-types: the larger Lettered Edge type (1807-1836) and the smaller Reeded Edge type (1836-1839), which introduced a reduced diameter and updated reverse wording.
Obverse Design
Liberty faces left wearing a cloth cap inscribed "LIBERTY," with draped clothing over her shoulder. Stars surround the portrait and the date sits below.
Reverse Design
An eagle with a shield on its breast holds arrows and an olive branch, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the rim. Lettered Edge coins read "50 C." or similar abbreviations below the eagle; Reeded Edge coins (1836 onward) read "HALF DOL." spelled out.
Size, Weight & Metal
Lettered Edge coins (1807-1836) measure about 32.5 mm and weigh roughly 13.48 grams in approximately 89.2% silver, with lettering reading "FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR" around the edge. Reeded Edge coins (1836-1839) were reduced to about 30 mm, adjusted to .900 fine silver, and switched to a plain reeded edge like modern coins.
Mint Marks
Nearly all Capped Bust half dollars were struck at Philadelphia with no mint mark. Starting in 1838, a small number were also struck at the New Orleans Mint, marked with a small "O" on the reverse.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
The edge is the quickest identifier: lettering around the edge means a pre-1836 coin, while plain reeding points to 1836 or later. Compared to the preceding Draped Bust half dollar, Liberty's cloth cap (rather than bare, tied-back hair) is the clear giveaway for the Capped Bust type. Compared to the following Seated Liberty half dollar (starting 1839), the Capped Bust shows a standing/facing bust portrait rather than a full seated figure.
Grading at a Glance
Wear appears first on Liberty's cheek, hair above the ear, and the cap band, and on the eagle's claws and shield lines on the reverse. Because many examples circulated for decades, sharp central details combined with strong hair curls typically indicate a notably better-preserved coin.
Authenticity Red Flags
Numerous die varieties exist within this long series, and some are more valuable than others, so an unusually sharp or "too perfect" example dated to a common year deserves scrutiny. Check the edge lettering format and diameter against the expected type for that year, since a mismatch (for example, a small reeded-edge diameter but old-style edge lettering) suggests an assembled or altered piece rather than an original coin.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my Capped Bust half is the Lettered Edge or Reeded Edge type?
Check the edge: lettering reading 'FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR' means Lettered Edge (1807-1836); plain reeding means Reeded Edge (1836-1839).
What's different about the Reeded Edge type besides the edge?
It has a slightly smaller diameter, adjusted silver fineness to .900, and reads 'HALF DOL.' on the reverse instead of abbreviated lettering.
Does this coin have a mint mark?
Almost always no; a small 'O' mint mark appears only on some 1838 and 1839 coins struck at the New Orleans Mint.
How do I distinguish this from a Draped Bust half dollar?
Liberty wears a cloth cap inscribed 'LIBERTY' on the Capped Bust design, while the Draped Bust design shows her hair simply tied back with a ribbon.
Capped Bust Half Dollar identified by the community
Recent Capped Bust Half Dollar coins identified with Coin Identifier.
