How Much Is A Capped Bust Half Dollar Worth?
Values for the Capped Bust half run from about $60–$85 (Good (G-4)) to $1,200–$2,500 (MS-63). Here is what separates the bottom of that range from the top — and how to find out where your coin lands.
History of the Capped Bust Half Dollar
The Capped Bust half dollar was the big silver coin of early America — banks used them for reserves, which is why so many survived in decent condition compared with smaller denominations. Struck from hand-made dies, every year offers a rich menu of die varieties cataloged by "Overton numbers," and variety collectors form one of the hobby’s most devoted communities.
Coins through 1836 have distinctive lettered edges reading FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. The short reeded-edge subtype of 1836–1839 includes the rare 1838-O, one of the great New Orleans rarities with about 20 struck.
The Capped Bust half was struck from 1807 to 1839 in 89.24% silver (lettered edge era). The design is the work of John Reich. Each coin weighs 13.48 grams. Production took place at Philadelphia, plus New Orleans in 1838–39.
How much is a Capped Bust half worth?
Prices for the Capped Bust half move with the collector market and with the price of precious metals. Use the ranges below as a starting point for problem-free examples, not as a guarantee.
For a market check, recent sold results for the same coin in the same grade beat out-of-date price guides every time. AI Coin Collector shows the Numista catalogue price per grade for every coin it recognizes: a reference point, not a sale price or an offer.
- Good (G-4): $60–$85
- Fine (F-12): $95–$140
- Extremely Fine (XF-40): $250–$400
- MS-63: $1,200–$2,500
How to identify a genuine Capped Bust Half Dollar
Authentication starts with the basics: weight, diameter, design details and the way the surfaces look. For the Capped Bust half, check the following:
If anything feels off — the weight is wrong, the details are mushy, or the surfaces look cast rather than struck — get a second opinion before buying or selling. Valuable dates are exactly the coins counterfeiters target most.
- Lettered edge (through 1836) vs reeded edge (1836–39) separates the two major subtypes.
- The 1815/2 is the series key; beware altered 1817 dates.
- Overton variety attribution can add significant value to scarce die marriages.
Check your Capped Bust half with AI Coin Collector
Instead of squinting at grainy auction photos, snap a picture with AI Coin Collector. Our own AI vision model suggests the type for you to confirm, the app estimates a Sheldon-scale grade from 1 to 70, and you see the Numista catalogue price per grade.
From there you can add the coin to a collection, see the collection’s total value and export it to CSV. The app is free to start and comes to Android first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Capped Bust half worth?
Broadly, examples at the bottom of the market (Good (G-4)) trade around $60–$85, while the strongest pieces (MS-63) bring $1,200–$2,500. Grade, rarity and eye appeal decide where a specific coin lands, and problem-free coins always bring the best prices.
How can I tell if my Capped Bust half is genuine?
Start with the physical basics: lettered edge (through 1836) vs reeded edge (1836–39) separates the two major subtypes. Counterfeits usually fail on weight, dimensions or fine die details, so compare your coin against verified reference photos before paying a premium.
Can an app identify and value my Capped Bust half?
Yes. AI Coin Collector suggests an identification from a single photo using our own AI vision model — you check and adjust it — estimates a Sheldon grade from 1 to 70, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.