1818 Capped Bust Silver Half Dollar — Lettered Edge

1818 Capped Bust Silver Half Dollar — Lettered Edge

Own an exceptional piece of early American numismatic history with this 1818 Capped Bust Silver Half Dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint more than two centuries ago during the presidency of James Monroe.

The Capped Bust Half Dollar series represents one of the most celebrated designs in early United States silver coinage. The Lettered Edge variety was produced from 1807 through 1836 and remains highly popular among collectors of early American coins.

Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust Half Dollar features a distinctive portrait of Liberty and a heraldic eagle, reflecting the artistic style and national symbolism of the early American republic.

The 1818 Capped Bust Half Dollar was produced during a period commonly known as the Era of Good Feelings, when the United States experienced significant territorial expansion and economic development following the War of 1812.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap secured by a headband inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, representing the original American colonies, while the date 1818 appears beneath.

The reverse displays a heraldic American eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows. A shield rests upon the eagle's breast, while a ribbon bearing E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 50 C. complete the design.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of this early half dollar is its lettered edge, which carries the inscription FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR, separated by decorative elements.

Unlike later reeded-edge half dollars, the 1818 issue was produced using early minting technology, resulting in individual differences in strike quality, centering, and surface appearance.

The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only United States Mint facility producing half dollars in 1818. No mint mark appears on this issue.

With an original mintage of 1,960,322 business strikes, the 1818 Capped Bust Half Dollar represents an important early issue within the series.

Struck in 89.24% silver, this historic half dollar contains approximately 0.3866 troy ounces of pure silver, reflecting the original silver standard used for United States half dollars before the Coinage Act of 1837.

Whether collected as part of a Capped Bust Half Dollar date set, an early American silver collection, or a broader United States type set, the 1818 Capped Bust Half Dollar offers an appealing combination of age, historical significance, and classic American design.

Product Details

• Denomination: Half Dollar ($0.50 USD)

• Year: 1818

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

• Series: Capped Bust Half Dollar

• Type: Lettered Edge (1807–1836)

• Original Mintage: 1,960,322 business strikes

• Composition: 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper

• Standard Weight: 13.48 grams

• Diameter: Approximately 32.5 mm

• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): Approximately 0.3866 Troy Ounces

• Designer: John Reich

• Obverse: Left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, surrounded by thirteen stars

• Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows

• Mint Mark Location: None — Philadelphia issue

• Edge: Lettered — FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1818 Capped Bust Half Dollar. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.