1820 Proof Capped Bust Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$35,200 PR63 05-01-1998 David Akers

Description

The 1820 Proof Capped Bust Half Dollar is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Capped Bust Half Dollars 1807-1839 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 7 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a mob cap or turban, designed by John Reich who worked as an indentured servant at the Mint and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM within a motto scroll. Multiple Overton die varieties exist. The series had become the dominant circulating silver coin in American commerce. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $35,200 PR63 05-01-1998 David Akers. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 13.5 grams, 32.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered: fifty cents or half a dollar edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6195.