As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.
1807 Bearded Goddess
| Weight | 13.48 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 750,500 Combined mintage for all 1807 Capped Bust varieties |
| Edge | Lettered (FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR) |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | John Reich |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-3692 |
Collection
Your collection
Sign in to track this coin.
One tap — add details later from your collection list.
Other recorded varieties for 1807:
- 1807 Large Stars · Large Stars
- 1807 Large Stars 50/20 · Large Stars 50/20
- 1807 Small Stars · Small Stars
External references
The 1807 Bearded Goddess is one of the most charming named varieties in early American numismatics, cataloged as Overton O-111b and instantly recognizable by a dramatic die crack that descends from Liberty's chin down across her throat. The crack thickens and darkens as the obverse die deteriorated, giving Liberty the appearance of sporting a wispy beard. John Reich, the German immigrant who became Assistant Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint in 1807, had just introduced his Capped Bust design that year, and the obverse die used for O-111b saw heavy duty before being retired. Mintage figures share the broader 1807 production total of 750,500 pieces across all Capped Bust dies, with the Bearded Goddess accounting for a small fraction of survivors. Collectors hunt this variety not for absolute rarity but for the visual story the die crack tells about the chaotic first year of a brand new design.
Authentication centers on confirming the diagnostic chin-to-throat die crack characteristic of Overton O-111b. Genuine examples show a clean, raised crack rather than a scratch or post-mint damage. The piece should weigh 13.48 grams within mint tolerance and measure 32.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered edge reading FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. Strike quality on Bearded Goddess examples is often soft at Liberty's drapery and the eagle's claws, a consequence of the lapping work done on the obverse die to extend its life. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) both attribute this variety on their labels when submitted with O-111b designation. Look for original gray patina; cleaned or dipped survivors lose much of their appeal.
Most Bearded Goddess halves grade in the Fine to Very Fine range, with anything approaching About Uncirculated commanding strong premiums. The variety has a devoted following among Bust half specialists, and prices tend to outpace common 1807 dies by a meaningful multiple. For broader background on the design, see the Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | — | — |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | — | — |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | — | — |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | — | — |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | — | — |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | — | — |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
How many 1807 Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollars were minted?
What is a 1807 Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollar made of?
What is the melt value of a 1807 Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Is the 1807 Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollar a key date?
Live listings from eBay. As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you click a link and make a purchase. See all on eBay →
It is important that you educate yourself on a coin before making a substantial purchase, as some coins on eBay could be counterfeit or misrepresented. eBay Money Back Guarantee protects the buyer in these cases.