USA 50 cents Capped Bust Half Dollar 1809
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Common
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 50 cents |
| Krause number | KM# 37 |
| Mintage | 1,405,810 |
| Metal | Silver 0.893 |
| thickness | 1.7 mm |
| diameter | 32.5 mm |
| weight | 13.48 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Creators:
John Reich
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Coat of arms
Flags
Creators:
John Reich
50 C.
E PLURIBUS UNUM
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
The half dollars of 1809 are intriguing on many levels. Both sides of this coin type were revised from those of 1807-08. The obverse changes are subtle, the most visible being a revision to the lay of Liberty's gown lines. On the reverse, however, the eagle has quite plainly lost its serpent-like neck, and its wings have been reshaped. The olive branch is likewise revised, with the lower two leaf pairs showing lesser separation of the leaves. Another distinctive feature of the 1809 half dollars is that some die marriages are known having edge devices unique to this date. The legend FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR, seen on all coins of this type, may be found with either IIIII or XXXXX dividing the end of the inscription from its beginning. A few die marriages are known both with or without these seemingly experimental edge devices. A total of 15 die marriages are known from eight obverse dies and 12 reverses. None of these are rare, but scarce ones include O-101, O-104, O-108a, O-112, O-113 and O-114. This date is common in worn condition, with Mint State pieces being rather scarce and in high demand.Read More
