1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar Value Guide

The 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar is a premier example of early 19th-century American coinage, serving as a vital workhorse for domestic commerce. Designed by John Reich, this Philadelphia Mint issue is highly sought after for its distinctive Phrygian cap motif and historical transition in coining technology.

What Is 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar Worth?

The typical price range for 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar is $80 - $88 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall strike quality and the amount of wear on Liberty's hair and the eagle's feathers.
• Presence of original mint luster or attractive toning on the silver surface.
• The legibility and preservation of the edge lettering.
• Market demand for the $80.00 to $88.00 price range based on current numismatic trends.

How to Identify 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar?

• Verify the 'Lettered Edge' featuring the denomination struck into the rim rather than the coin face.
• Look for the signature John Reich design of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap facing left.
• Confirm the 1817 date located at the bottom center of the obverse side.
• Check for the thirteen stars surrounding Liberty and the eagle with a shield on the reverse.

History of 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar

Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust Half Dollar was a workhorse of American commerce in the early 19th century. The 1817 issue belongs to the Lettered Edge variety, where the denomination is struck into the edge of the coin rather than the face. These were minted at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of transition in American coining technology.