U.S. Mint coin reference

1836–1837: Capped Bust Half Dollar (Reeded Edge, "50 CENTS" Type)

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1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar Reeded Edge 50 CENTS obverse and reverse

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1836-1837

Country: United States

Denomination: Half dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 89.24% silver in 1836; 90% silver in 1837

Silver fineness: 89.24% in 1836; 90% in 1837

Silver weight: About 0.3866 oz ASW

Weight: 13.48 g in 1836; 13.36 g in 1837

Diameter: 30.0 mm

Thickness: Approx. 2.15 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: John Reich / William Kneass

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty bust portrait.

Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, arrows, and 50 CENTS below.

1836–1837: Capped Bust Half Dollar (Reeded Edge, "50 CENTS" Type) history

1836–1837: Capped Bust Half Dollar (Reeded Edge, "50 CENTS" Type) introduced steam-powered close-collar production to the half dollar. The edge became reeded and the denomination moved to the reverse as 50 CENTS, replacing the long-running lettered-edge format.

Coins dated 1836 retain the older .8924 alloy and 13.48-gram standard, while 1837 pieces use .900 silver at 13.36 grams. That date-specific transition is essential when checking physical specifications.