1814 50C Capped Bust Half Dollar, O-109, NGC MS66--Condition Rarity

It is with delight that we present for your numismatic consideration a Condition Rarity: an 1814 Capped Bust half dollar, graded NGC MS66. This is an example of the Overton-109 variety and features dramatic die clashes visible on both sides. For example, below the bust of Liberty on the obverse one can easily see the ribbon from the reverse above the eagle. These die clashes do not detract from this coin. They give it a more interesting story.

Both sides of 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. On well-struck examples, the initial 'R' for Reich can be seen within the clasp. The date is found below Liberty, while 13 stars that represent the 13 colonies/states surround both sides of Liberty at the coin's rim. The reverse features Reich's eagle, with its wings partially spread, while it grasps with its left talon arrows and the olive branch of peace in its right. A federal shield is found upon the eagle's breast, while 50 C. is below our national bird. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the eagle at the top half of the rim, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, found upon a ribbon, floats above the eagle and below the legend. The lettered edge reads FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. A star is found between DOLLAR and FIFTY.