From 1807 to 1836
specimens were made of large diameter. The denomination
was lettered on the edge: FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR,
In December 1836 a new design, smaller in diameter and
with a reeded edge, appeared. The obverse featured Christian
Gobrecht's adaptation of Reich's capped bust design.
The reverse was also an adaptation of the earlier style,
but with the denomination changed from 50C to 50 CENTS.
In 1838 the reverse was again revised. Changes were
made in the lettering, and the denomination was revised
to HALF DOL.
Coinage was continuous from 1807 to 1839 with the exception
of 1816, the year of the disastrous Mint fire. Half
dollars of the early years have formed the object of
several important studies and references, including
M. L. Beistle's Register of Untied States Half Dollar
Varieties, and Sub-Varieties and Al C. Overton's Early
Half Dollar Varieties 1794-1836.
Among early half dollars, the first year of issue, 1794,
is elusive in all grades. As noted, the draped bust
half dollars with small eagle reverse minted only in
1796 and 1797 are rare. Other scarce issues include
1815/2, 1817/4, and 1836 with reeded edge. 1838-O is
a major rarity. Struck in the first year of operation
of the New Orleans Mint, this coin was apparently pro¬duced
to the extent of only 20 pieces.
This date comes with Large and Small Stars on the obverse. One variety has 50 punched over 20 on the reverse, a mistake made by the engraver when he was preparing the die.
Includes 1820/19 overdates. The 2's in the date come with curved or straight bases - the 2's with straight bases come with or without knobs at the top.
Look for the blundered 50/00 reverse die. Late in this year, the reverse was modified by replacing the C of the denomination with CENTS and the edge lettering was replaced with reeding (see the following)
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