1828 Square 2, Small 8, Large Letters

The 1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar with Square Base 2, Small 8s, and Large Letters reverse is a die-combination variety that draws together three distinct features into a single attribution. The Square Base 2 carries the flat block foot under the digit, while the Small 8s in the date are noticeably smaller than those found on the Large 8 dies of the same year. The Large Letters reverse refers to the size of the lettering in the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the eagle, with these dies using a larger letter punch than the Small Letters reverse counterpart. Across the year's reported mintage of 3,075,200 half dollars, this specific configuration appears within a limited set of Overton numbers that variety collectors recognize as a distinct subgroup.

The Capped Bust design by John Reich continued unchanged in 1828, with specifications including 89.24 percent silver alloy, 13.48 grams of weight, 32.5 millimeters in diameter, and the lettered edge inscription FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR applied through the standard Castaing machine process. Authentication of this multi-feature variety requires verification of all three diagnostics together. The 2 in the date must show the squared block foot of the Square Base punch, both 8s must appear smaller than those on the Large 8 dies, and the reverse legend must show the larger letter punch around the eagle. Comparison against Overton plates is essential, since misidentifying any single feature can lead to assignment to the wrong variety. Weight and edge inscription verification round out the authentication for higher-grade examples.

Population data from Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), together with auction records at Heritage Auctions, show this variety is available in most circulated grades with some patience, though it is less common than the Large 8 issues of the same year. Mint state examples appear less frequently and command appropriate premiums. Variety specialists pursuing the full Overton catalog treat the Small 8 Large Letters dies as a necessary acquisition for a thorough 1828 representation. For more on the design origins, the Philadelphia Mint die preparation methods, and the place of these issues in American silver coinage, see the Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.