Collectors Corner^SM: The Collectibles Marketplace

1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Click image to enlarge.

Capped Bust Half Dollars are widely collected by series enthusiasts as well as type collectors. The popularity of these coins is multifaceted. Unmistakable is their allure as an early Federal-era series composed of large, hefty silver coins. But there’s also the beauty of their design, crafted by John Reich and widely regarded to this day as classic. And the versatility and approachability of this series is virtually unmatched, offering something for almost anyone along the spectrums of budget and numismatic skill level.

A collector can obtain a gorgeous, well-circulated example from almost any era of the series for less than $200, putting the completion of an entire date set of Capped Bust Half Dollars within the financial reach for many numismatists. However, a great many collectors, particularly type set builders, tend to concentrate on a certain range of dates in the series, with issues from the late 1820s through mid-1830s being the prime target. Among these are the 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollars, which are both relatively plentiful, widely available, and remarkably affordable.

The 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar was struck to the tune of 6,412,004, but this mintage is a cumulative figure representing at least three variations recognized by PCGS: 1834 Large Date, Large Letters (#6164), 1834 Large Date, Small Letters (#6165), and 1834 Small Date, Small Letters (#6166).

Large Date versus Small Date. Click image to enlarge.

Large Date versus Small Date. Click image to enlarge.

Even among these three major varieties, there are more specific varieties defined by die marriage. These have been individually cataloged by early US coin variety scholar Al C. Overton. Many collectors pursue these so-called Overton varieties, making the 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar a popular focal point for these series enthusiasts.

Regardless of whether specific die varieties are being sought or one is merely looking for a representative specimen of this iconic series, the 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar offers a multitude of numismatic opportunities. In the grade of G4, the 1834 Capped Bust Halves are trading for right around $100, making it a modest purchase for the financially well-heeled collector; such a price point puts the 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar also within reach of the economy-minded hobbyist who is in a position to perhaps save up their numismatic funds over a period of time. Nicer specimens aren’t necessarily out of the question, with XF40 examples of the 1834 Half Dollar south of $300 and specimens in MS61 or MS62 still less than $2,000.