1830

Production of the 1830 half eagle marks the first full calendar year on the reduced-diameter Kneass planchet that William Kneass had introduced midway through 1829. The 23.8-millimeter format and close-collar striking gave the obverse a tighter portrait and crisp denticles, replacing the wider, open-collar appearance of the earlier Capped Head series. Combined production for the year totaled 126,351 pieces across three separately cataloged varieties: the standard 1830 (this entry), a Large 5D denomination logotype, and a Small 5D logotype. Both 5D variants reflect different reverse punches used during the year, and modern catalogs treat them as distinct collectible issues. The standard 1830 is the most frequently encountered of the trio, but Bass-Dannreuther and PCGS census data suggest only about 75 to 125 examples are known across all grades, with most falling in the VF to AU range and Mint State coins genuinely scarce.

Authentication begins with diameter and weight, since the 1830 is occasionally confused with earlier large-planchet Capped Head issues. A genuine example measures 23.8 millimeters across and weighs 8.75 grams, with composition fixed at 0.9167 fine gold and the balance in copper and silver. The edge is reeded, and a precise caliper reading outside the narrow 23.7 to 23.9 millimeter band is an immediate red flag. Specialists also check the date logotype carefully, because altered-date pieces sometimes show inconsistent digit spacing or weak punch impressions compared against authenticated reference images. Any 1830 trading at four-figure levels and above should sit in a PCGS or NGC holder, and CAC verification adds meaningful resale support at this rarity level.

For modern collectors, the 1830 is a Semi-Key entry that rarely surfaces outside major auctions and specialist inventories. Heritage and Stack's Bowers archives are the most reliable places to track recent appearances, and patience often matters more than budget when waiting for a properly graded coin to come up. Mid-grade circulated examples typically command strong four-figure prices, while problem-free AU and Mint State coins push well into the five-figure range. Date-set builders working through the Capped Head series usually treat the standard 1830 as the gateway acquisition before pursuing the rarer Large 5D and Small 5D variants. Read more in our Capped Bust Half Eagle series history.