½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle)
United States · 1838–1839 · Silver
0.3866 ozt of silver × live silver spot (loading…)
Specifications
| Years | 1838–1839 |
| Denomination | ½ Dollar |
| Composition | Silver (.900) (.100 copper) |
| Gross weight | 13.36 g |
| Fineness | 90.0% silver |
| Actual silver weight | 0.3866 ozt (12.02 g) |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Thickness | 2.15 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
Liberty cap head left, 13 stars around
Reverse
Eagle with arrows and olive branch in talons
About this coin’s value
The ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle) contains 0.3866 troy ounces of silver (90.0% fine, 13.36 g gross). Its melt value above is that metal content multiplied by the live spot price — the floor any dealer offer should be judged against. Collector value for better dates, mint marks and grades comes on top of melt, so check before selling scarce coins as bullion.
To value a whole stack at once, use the US Silver Coin Calculator. The formula behind the number is explained in how to calculate silver melt value, and where to sell covers what buyers actually pay against melt.
More ½ Dollar coins
- ½ Dollar (The Silver Getz Half Dollar, Pattern)1792
- ½ Dollar "Flowing Hair Half Dollar" (small eagle)1794–1795
- ½ Dollar "Draped Bust Half Dollar" (small eagle)1796–1797
- ½ Dollar "Draped Bust Half Dollar" (Heraldic eagle)1801–1807
- 50 Cents / ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar"1807–1836
- ½ Dollar "1814 Half Dollar" (Pattern)1814
- ½ Dollar "Seated Liberty Half Dollar"1839–1853
- ½ Dollar - California Territorial Gold "Arms"1853
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in a ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle)?
Each ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle) contains about 0.3866 troy ounces of pure silver — its 13.36 g gross weight at 90.0% fineness. That is the figure the calculator above multiplies by the live silver spot price.
What is the melt value of a ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle)?
Its melt (intrinsic metal) value is 0.3866 troy oz × the current silver spot price — use the live calculator above for today's figure. Scarce dates and high grades can be worth more than melt.
What years was the ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle) minted?
The ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle) was issued 1838–1839.
Who designed the ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle)?
The ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle) was designed by Christian Gobrecht.
How big is a ½ Dollar "Capped Bust Half Dollar" (HALF DOL. below eagle)?
It weighs 13.36 g and measures 30 mm across and 2.15 mm thick (silver (.900) (.100 copper)).
Educational reference, not an offer to buy or sell. Specifications are catalog data and may vary by variety; verify before any transaction.