1813 50c Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS MS62

PCGS certified and graded MS62.

Appears to be O-108.

This 1813 50c Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS MS62 is a nicely toned, problem-free coin!

Please see the pictures for details!

History of the Capped Bust Half Dollar

The early silver Capped Bust coins had lettered edges, replaced later in the 1830s with the reeded edge. Since steam powered technology wasn’t readily available, the reeded edge was yet to be an industry standard. The U.S. Mint’s fourth director, Robert Patterson started in his position in 1806. He then hired John Reich, the new U.S. Mint Engraver later that year. Despite an enormous talent, Reich only received an annual salary of merely $600, the salary of an average laborer at the time. Reich was German born and escaped the Napoleonic Wars by moving to America as an indentured servant, therefore had little influence over his pay. It’s been rumored since the release of the Capped Bust design that John Reich based the image of Liberty on his mistress, a ‘rotund’ woman. Even today, this has yet to be proven.

The Capped Bust was a large asthetic improvement over the Draped Bust coin design. The design by Reich lasted 30 years ending in 1836. Since minting coins was not a perfect practice, many major varieties and sub-varieties exist, including overdates, cataloged by Overton numbers classifying each. Al C. Overton published a comprehensive book of early half dollar varieties in 1967.

Most Capped Bust half dollar coins are circulated as they were used in daily transactions during the time. However, fifty-cents was about half a day’s pay for the average worker. Therefore, most half dollars of the time were considered lightly circulated. Mint state Capped Bust Half Dollars, including this 1813 50c Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS MS62 are considered rare. Mint State MS64 and higher are exceptionally scarce finds and are greatly desirable.