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1812 2 over 1, Small 8
| Weight | 13.48 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 1,628,059 Combined mintage for all 1812 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-3707 |
Collection
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Other recorded varieties for 1812:
- 1812
- 1812 2 over 1, Large 8 · 2 over 1, Large 8
External references
The 1812/1 Small 8 Capped Bust Half Dollar ranks as one of the major rarities of the entire Capped Bust series, dramatically scarcer than its Large 8 counterpart and recognized as a premier prize for advanced variety collectors. The combination of two distinct die features, the 2-over-1 overdate and the Small 8 logotype, produced a single die marriage that saw very limited use before being retired, and the resulting survival population is a fraction of even the rarer regular-issue Capped Bust dates. Al C. Overton's reference work elevated this variety to landmark status, and its appearance at major auctions consistently draws competitive bidding from serious collectors building condition-sensitive Overton sets.
Lettered edge era specifications apply at 13.48 grams, 32.5 mm in diameter, and 89.24% silver alloy, with FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR impressed on the edge through the Castaing machine before striking. Cataloged as Overton O-102 within the 1812 series, the variety presents the underlying 1 protruding from the upper portion of the 2 in the date, paired with a Small 8 measuring roughly 1.2 mm in height, distinctly shorter than the 1.4 to 1.5 mm Large 8 used on more abundant 1812 dies. Authentication must verify both diagnostics together. Genuine examples show sharp lettered edge characters and the natural strike characteristics of screw-press production, with some softness expected at Liberty's curls and the eagle's claw grip. Counterfeits or altered dates typically fail the edge inspection.
Because of its scarcity, even well-worn examples bring substantial premiums, and mid-grade circulated specimens trade for sums that surprise newcomers to the series. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) population data shows extreme thinness above Very Fine, and Mint State examples are essentially trophy pieces when they surface at Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers. For deeper context on Reich's design and the lettered edge era, see our 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 1812 2 over 1, Small 8 Capped Bust Half Dollars were minted?
What is a 1812 2 over 1, Small 8 Capped Bust Half Dollar made of?
What is the melt value of a 1812 2 over 1, Small 8 Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Is the 1812 2 over 1, Small 8 Capped Bust Half Dollar a key date?
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