Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1830 Large 0

Half Dollars · Capped Bust Half Dollars · 1807–1839
Regular
Weight13.48 g
Diameter32.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,764,800 Combined mintage for all 1830 varieties
EdgeLettered (FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR)
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
DesignerJohn Reich
Collector's Key IDCK-3767

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1830 Large 0 Capped Bust Half Dollar belongs to a year when the Philadelphia Mint produced 4,764,800 half dollars across all die varieties, making this one of the highest-production silver coinages of the early federal period. The Large 0 designation refers to the zero in the date logotype, which was punched into the working die using a noticeably broader and rounder numeral than its Small 0 counterpart. Collectors specializing in John Reich's Capped Bust series treat the Large 0 as a distinct die-marriage subgroup, with multiple Overton numbers falling under that umbrella. Because the half dollar was the workhorse silver denomination of the era, surviving examples often show heavy circulation, and finding pieces with original surfaces and clear date detail takes patience even at a year this populous.

Every 1830 half was struck on a planchet weighing 13.48 grams of 89.24 percent silver, measuring 32.5 millimeters in diameter, with a lettered edge reading FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR applied by the Castaing machine before striking. Authentication of the Large 0 variety hinges on direct comparison of the zero to a Small 0 reference: the Large 0 measures roughly 1.6 millimeters tall with a thick, almost circular shape, while the Small 0 is narrower and more oval. Overton attribution is the recognized standard, and pieces are typically marketed as O-101 through O-123 depending on the die marriage. Strike quality on Large 0 dies ranges widely, with the stars near the cap and the eagle's claw detail being the first to soften when dies were overused.

For collectors building a date set, the Large 0 is readily affordable in Fine through Extremely Fine grades, and Mint State examples surface regularly at major auctions. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) holders usually note the Overton number, which protects buyers paying a premium for scarcer marriages within the Large 0 group. Background on the broader design is available in the Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $68 $79
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $75 $86
F-12 Fine (F) $89 $102
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $111 $128
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $161 $185
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $320 $370
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $825 $950
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $2,255 $2,385
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1830 Large 0 Capped Bust Half Dollar worth?
In Good condition it runs about $68–$79, rising to roughly $825–$950 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1830 Large 0 Capped Bust Half Dollars were minted?
4,764,800 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1830 varieties).
What is a 1830 Large 0 Capped Bust Half Dollar made of?
89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper, weighing 13.48 g.
What is the melt value of a 1830 Large 0 Capped Bust Half Dollar?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1830 Large 0 Capped Bust Half Dollar a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.