1822

The 1822 Capped Bust half dollar carries a mintage of 1,559,573 pieces from the Philadelphia Mint, a modest increase over the prior year and consistent with the heavy half dollar production that defined the 1820s. By this point in the series, the half dollar was the workhorse silver denomination of the United States economy, with dollar coinage suspended and quarters produced only sparingly. Banks moved half dollars in canvas bags as reserves rather than allowing them to circulate broadly, which is why so many examples survive in mid grades rather than worn beyond recognition. The year's die marriages, cataloged under Overton numbers, range from common to scarce, with the 22-over-1 overdate standing apart as the most studied variety.

Authentic pieces meet the standard early-half-dollar specifications of 13.48 grams on planchets of 89.24 percent silver, 32.5 millimeters in diameter, and the lettered edge inscription FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR rolled into the edge before striking. Attribution for collectors who pursue die marriages relies on Overton plate matching, with star positions, date placement, and reverse die-state cracks all factoring into the match. The 1822 date logotype is relatively consistent across the year's normal-date marriages, which simplifies attribution work compared with the wide range of 1820 punches. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) certify 1822 halves with Overton attributions when collectors ask for the variety designation on the label.

Availability is good across grades. Very Good through Extremely Fine pieces appear consistently in dealer inventories and at major auctions, while About Uncirculated and Mint State coins draw stronger competition because so few examples avoided the rigors of 1820s commerce. The 1822 is a sensible early Bust half date for collectors building a type set or pursuing a date run without immediately confronting the rarer marriages. For background on the Reich design and the lettered-edge production process, see our Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.