1829 Large Size

The 1829 Large Size half eagle is the final issue struck on the original 25.0-millimeter planchet that the U.S. Mint had used for the Capped Head Left design since 1813. Midway through 1829, engraver William Kneass introduced a redesigned obverse paired with a close-collar striking method that reduced the coin's diameter to roughly 23.8 millimeters. Production for the year split between the two formats, with the Large Size representing the older, wider planchet struck before the changeover. The combined 1829 reported mintage was 57,442 pieces across both varieties, but the Large Size accounts for only a small fraction of that total. Conservative numismatic references suggest only about twelve to fifteen business strikes are known across all grades, making this one of the genuine rarities of the early gold series and far scarcer than its Small Size counterpart from the same year.

Variety attribution rests almost entirely on planchet diameter, so authentication starts with a precise caliper measurement. A genuine 1829 Large Size measures approximately 25.0 millimeters across, while the Small Size redesign measures about 23.8 millimeters; even a tenth of a millimeter outside those bands warrants a closer look. Weight should fall close to 8.75 grams, and the composition is 0.9167 fine gold with the balance in copper and silver. The edge is reeded, and the obverse should display the original Reich-style portrait with the wider rim treatment associated with open-collar striking. Any coin offered as an 1829 Large Size at four-figure prices and above belongs in a PCGS or NGC holder; the rarity gap between the two varieties creates obvious incentive for misattribution.

For modern collectors, the 1829 Large Size sits at the upper tier of early half eagle rarity and almost never appears outside major auction events. Realistic acquisition planning means working with a specialist dealer, monitoring Heritage and Stack's Bowers archives, and accepting that opportunities to bid may come only once every few years. Even heavily circulated examples carry strong premiums, and certified Mint State pieces have crossed into six-figure territory at public sale. For most date-set builders, the Small Size 1829 is the practical choice, while the Large Size remains a landmark target for advanced specialists. Read more in our Capped Bust Half Eagle series history.