1829

The 1829 Capped Bust Half Dollar saw a reported mintage of 3,712,156 pieces struck at the Philadelphia Mint, continuing the heavy production levels typical of the late 1820s for this denomination. By this point the Capped Bust design had been in use for over two decades, and the half dollar had become a workhorse of American commerce, circulating widely in domestic trade and bank reserves across the eastern states. Several Overton-cataloged die varieties exist for the year, with collectors recognizing a number of distinct die marriages that range from very common to legitimately scarce. The 1829 issues serve as accessible representatives of the type for collectors who want a single Capped Bust Half Dollar without pursuing the full variety catalog.

John Reich's Capped Bust design held the same specifications used since 1807, including 89.24 percent silver alloy, a weight of 13.48 grams, a diameter of 32.5 millimeters, and the lettered edge inscription FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR applied through the Castaing machine before striking. Authentication of any 1829 example begins with weight verification on a calibrated scale, since the silver alloy and planchet preparation methods of the period are difficult to replicate accurately in modern counterfeits. The lettered edge should appear crisp on well-preserved coins, with the letters running counterclockwise when the obverse faces up. Variety attribution proceeds by matching the position of the date, the alignment of the stars relative to the cap, and the placement of the period after the denomination on the reverse against published Overton plates. Each die marriage receives a unique number based on this combination of features.

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) population data show the 1829 is widely available across all circulated grades, with mint state examples appearing at Heritage Auctions and other major venues with sufficient frequency to support an active type collector market. Variety specialists treat the year as offering good opportunities for working through several distinct Overton marriages without the rarity premiums attached to harder dates. For background on the design origins, Philadelphia Mint operations, and the place of this denomination in early American coinage, read the Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.