1812

The 1812 Capped Bust Half Dollar saw Philadelphia produce a healthy 1,628,059 pieces, making it the most abundant date issue of the first five years of John Reich's lettered edge design and one of the more accessible early Capped Bust dates for type collectors. Production took place against the backdrop of the War of 1812, and the half dollar denomination carried significant importance in the early republic's commerce since silver dollars had been suspended in 1804 and would not resume until 1840. Reich's modified Liberty bust on this issue shows the engraver's characteristic full-faced portrait with cap, drapery clasp at the bust truncation, and the 1812 date positioned cleanly beneath.

Each example weighs 13.48 grams, measures 32.5 mm in diameter, and is composed of 89.24% silver, with the edge reading FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR through Castaing machine application prior to striking in a plain collar. The 1812 issue is cataloged across more than ten distinct die marriages in Al C. Overton's reference work, ranging from O-103 through the higher numbers, and most regular-date examples available to collectors today come from the more common marriages. Authentication focuses on confirming proper weight tolerance, sharp lettered edge characters, and the natural strike characteristics expected from screw-press production, including some softness at Liberty's hair details directly above the ear and at the eagle's claw grip on the arrows and olive branch. Cast counterfeits typically betray themselves at the edge inscription, where characters lose definition.

The high mintage makes circulated examples readily available at modest premiums over silver content, while problem-free Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated pieces draw steady interest from type set builders. Mint State examples certified by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) appear with reasonable frequency, though gem-grade specimens command meaningful premiums at Heritage Auctions. For context on Reich's design and the lettered edge period, see our Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.