1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar NGC MS66 CAC

The 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar, designated NGC MS66 with CAC affirmation, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and preservation from the early days of the United States Mint. Graced with the CAC seal of approval, this coin stands as a remarkable testament to its historical significance.

Who better to design our fledgling nation’s new coins than an immigrant to America? John Reich was born in Bavaria and learned engraving from his father, who taught him how to make medals.

After Reich moved to the U.S., his work caught the attention of Thomas Jefferson, who recommended him for the position of assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint. Robert Scot, the chief engraver, however, refused an assistant until his poor eyesight required that Reich be foisted upon him. One of Reich’s first tasks: redesign all of Scot’s coins.

Reich’s design for the Capped Bust Half Dollar features the bust of Liberty facing left. She’s wearing a cap, called a Phrygian or Freedom Cap, which originated in antiquity and has been used in resurgences of Roman iconography throughout history. In both the American and French revolutions, the cap represented freedom and the pursuit of liberty.

You might even call this a “freedom coin.”

The coin’s reverse would go on to be featured on much of our silver coinage in the 19th century. It features a bald eagle with wings spread and arrows and olive branches in its talons. A scroll above the eagle’s head shows the words “E Pluribus Unum.”

Capped Bust Half Dollars are a perennial favorite among investors because of their availability, reasonable price, and large number of varieties.

Today we have one of these silver coins in stock: 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar graded MS66 by NGC and CAC. These coins were widely circulated, so it’s special to be able to get one in such good condition.