1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar Coin – a survivor

Hand-struck beauty from 1822. The 13 stars represent the original 13 colonies; Lady Liberty wears her “Liberty Cap.”

I have my beautiful 1822 Capped Bust silver half dollar coin for purchase.

I’ve owned it for well over 50 years of its 202-year life. What I found most appealing
is that historically large silver US coins with a punched hole were more than likely worn
around the neck hanging by a leather piece kept out of site so as not to be lost by the owner.
Pockets were not common, and fifty cents during the pre-Civil War period was a great deal of money.

The hole, in my opinion, only adds to its history as I can only imagine who may have worn it and when. There is even a trace of material in the hole!

The Capped Bust half was minted from 1807 to 1839. It was designed by the famous engraver John Reich. It weighs 13.50 grams and contains 90% silver. The diameter is 32.50 mm.
It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint using hand-operated presses! Each coin differed slightly
from the other due to the person operating the press and the quality and wear of the dies.

The edge of the coin is lettered –
FIFTY CENTS OR HAF A DOLLAR

PCGS estimates that only about 6,000 coins survive in any grade to this day, making it
a relatively rare coin.

The reverse features our American Eagle atop an olive branch and arrows – a traditional design that started with these early coins.

Here is a beautiful image of a nearly perfect specimen of the coin courtesy of PCGS.

My coin is available in my shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com if you’re interested in purchasing it or want additional information. Thanks for stopping by, Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai

Comments are always welcomed, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

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4 thoughts on “1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar Coin – a survivor

  1. Your post reminded about the small rare Caribbean coin collection unused to own. I lost it somewhere in one of many moves around the Caribbean. One of the coins I found while stumbling around the dirt playground in St. Lucia. I’ve learned not to collect things.

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