1812 50C Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS MS62

Here is an exciting opportunity from AUCM to purchase a mint state type coin from the early days of America. This Capped Bust half dollar from 1812, with its classic design and mint state condition, is a relic of American history that you can proudly call your own. It is an excellent example of the Capped Bust half dollar that was designed by John Reich. Graded MS62 by PCGS, this mint state specimen would be the perfect addition to a type set of U.S. half dollars or Capped Bust half dollars. If you wish to develop-- or expand--an existing type set, please contact AUCM for professional guidance in order to enhance your numismatic portfolio.

      This Capped Bust half dollar very well may have been among the famed Economite hoard discovered in 1878. This hoard was put together by the Harmony Society, a separatist religious organization that had a community in Economy, Pennsylvania. When the hoard was uncovered, there were over 118,000 silver coins--and Capped Bust half dollars totaled 111,356 of them. A numismatic myth holds that such half dollars did not circulate and were used solely as bank reserves, as a backup to the widespread private paper currency of the day. However, the existence of the Economite hoard proves this to be a falsehood. The Harmony Society ran woolen and cotton mills, a grain mill, a wine press, a hotel, post office, stores and farms in Pennsylvania. Many of the Bust half dollars from that hoard are circulated, proving that the popular series were indeed used in everyday business. There were both uncirculated and circulated examples found within the hoard. Plus the many circulated examples found at coin shows and in collections are additional evidence. NGC Coin Explorer tells us, "The overwhelming majority [of Capped Bust half dollars] saw use in daily commerce, though their high face value (nearly half a day’s pay for many workers) limited that use drastically."

      The Capped Bust half dollar feature John Reich's classic design. The obverse presents a left-facing Rubenesque Liberty sporting a Phrygian or liberty cap, which during the American and French revolutions came to represent freedom and the pursuit of liberty. It sits atop her head, while a ribbon declaring LIBERTY holds the cap in place. Locks of curly hair fall over her ear and upon and below her shoulders. Her garment is held together with a clasp.