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1807 Large Stars

Half Dollars · Capped Bust Half Dollars · 1807–1839
Regular
Weight13.48 g
Diameter32.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 750,500 Combined mintage for all 1807 Capped Bust varieties
EdgeLettered (FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR)
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
DesignerJohn Reich
Collector's Key IDCK-3693

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About this coinHistory

The 1807 Large Stars Capped Bust half dollar belongs to the inaugural year of John Reich's redesigned silver coinage, with a reported total mintage of 750,500 pieces shared across all 1807 die marriages. Reich, who joined the Philadelphia Mint as Assistant Engraver in 1807, replaced the older Draped Bust design with a softer, more matronly Liberty wearing a mob cap. The Large Stars variety uses seven-pointed stars arranged in a configuration noticeably bigger than the Small Stars counterpart from the same year. The obverse shows Liberty facing left with thirteen stars around the periphery, seven to the left and six to the right, with the date below. The reverse features a heraldic eagle, shield on chest, holding an olive branch and three arrows, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM above and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with 50 C. around the rim. First-year coins from a new design always attract attention, and 1807 Large Stars examples are central to any serious Bust half cabinet.

Authentication begins with comparing the star configuration to published Overton plates; the Large Stars dies are clearly distinct from Small Stars dies when placed side by side. Genuine pieces weigh 13.48 grams and measure 32.5 mm in diameter, with the lettered edge reading FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. The lettering on edge is applied before striking via a Castaing machine, and any sign of post-mint edge tampering or rolling should disqualify a coin. Strike is typically uneven for 1807, with weakness at the eagle's claws and the upper drapery folds. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) routinely attribute Large Stars on holders when an Overton number is requested at submission.

Survivors run heaviest in Very Good through Very Fine, with Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated pieces scarce and gem Mint State examples genuinely rare condition rarities. Original surfaces matter; harsh cleanings tank the value. For broader background on the design, see the Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $136 $157
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $260 $300
F-12 Fine (F) $375 $435
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $505 $585
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $890 $1,025
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $1,815 $2,095
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $5,090 $5,875
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $11,705 $12,395
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1807 Large Stars Capped Bust Half Dollar worth?
In Good condition it runs about $136–$157, rising to roughly $5,090–$5,875 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1807 Large Stars Capped Bust Half Dollars were minted?
750,500 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1807 Capped Bust varieties).
What is a 1807 Large Stars Capped Bust Half Dollar made of?
89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper, weighing 13.48 g.
What is the melt value of a 1807 Large Stars Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1807 Large Stars Capped Bust Half Dollar a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.