1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar — Lettered Edge

1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar — Lettered Edge — Silver

Own an impressive piece of early American numismatic history with this 1834 Capped Bust Silver Half Dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

The Capped Bust Half Dollar series represents one of the most celebrated designs in early United States silver coinage. Produced from 1807 through 1839 in several design formats, these historic half dollars circulated during an important period of American expansion and economic development.

The 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar belongs to the classic Lettered Edge series, produced from 1807 through 1836, and features the distinctive portrait of Liberty designed by John Reich.

The obverse displays 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 1834 appears beneath.

The reverse features 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 the national motto 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.

The 1834 issue was struck during an important transition in American monetary history. The Coinage Act of 1834 reduced the statutory gold content of United States gold coins, helping reshape the relationship between gold and silver in the nation's monetary system.

The coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the only United States Mint facility striking half dollars in 1834. No mint mark appears on this issue.

With an original mintage of 6,412,004 business strikes, the 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar represents one of the more accessible dates within the Lettered Edge series, although individual die varieties and higher-grade examples can command substantial collector premiums.

Struck in approximately 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, the coin has a standard weight of approximately 13.48 grams and contains about 0.3866 troy ounces of pure silver.

The Capped Bust Half Dollar series is especially popular among advanced collectors because of its numerous die marriages, varieties, and distinctive characteristics associated with early United States Mint production.

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 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar offers an appealing combination of historical significance, classic American design, and precious metal content.

Product Details

• Denomination: Half Dollar ($0.50 USD)

• Year: 1834

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

• Series: Capped Bust Half Dollar

• Type: Lettered Edge (1807–1836)

• Original Mintage: 6,412,004 business strikes

• Composition: Approximately 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 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 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.