Type 1, Lettered Edge Type 1, Lettered Edge

Type 1, Lettered Edge

Designed by: John Reich
Issue Dates: 1807-1836
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 32.5 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams (208.02 grains)
Edge: Lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR
Business Strike Mintage: 82,339,124
Proof Mintage: 200 to 300

In 1807 the Capped Bust obverse was introduced. Miss Liberty faces left. She wears a cap secured at the base with a ribbon or band inscribed LIBERTY, with tresses falling to her shoulder. Her low neck­ line is draped in a cloth or a gown and is secured by a brooch on her shoulder. Seven stars are to the left and six are to the right. The date is below. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above on a scroll and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 50 C. surrounding.

Although there are a number of scarce varieties in the 1807-1836 range, most are readily obtainable. Specimens of most issues are typically encountered in grades from Fine to Extremely Fine, with some of the earlier dates in the range, 1807 through 1820, sometimes seen in Good to Very Good preservation. AU pieces are not difficult to find, especially of dates in the late 1820s and 1830s. Uncirculated coins, particularly ones in higher ranges of that category are elusive, with superb pieces being rare. Many examples show lightness of striking, particularly on the stars on the obverse, the high parts of Miss Liberty, and E PLURIBUS UNUM on the reverse. Among Uncirculated pieces, examples typically have friction or rubbing at the lower left of the bust, from coin-to-coin contact in bank bags.

Circulation Strike
Circulation Strike
Circulation Strike
Proof Strike
Proof Strike
Proof Strike

Join our mailing list

Don't miss an auction!

Subscribe to our newsletter.

 

Contact Us

West Coast Office • (800) 458-4646

Midwest Office • (800) 817-2646

East Coast Office • (800) 566-2580

info@stacksbowers.com
 

Hong Kong, China Office • +852 2117 1191

infohk@stacksbowers.com
 

Copenhagen, Denmark • +45 80 40 49 42

infodk@stacksbowers.com

Global locations

Additional representatives
available worldwide.

Follow Us




Subscribe to
Our Newsletter

We are sorry, an unexpected error occurred!
Please enter a valid email address

I'm Interested In...

Thank You!

Thank you for subscribing to the Stack's Bowers Galleries e-newsletter.