Numismatic

1812 Capped Bust Half Dollar XF-45 NGC

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In the early nineteenth century, the Philadelphia Mint produced silver half dollars that served as a cornerstone of daily commerce in the young United States. This 1812 silver coin represents a fascinating era in American history, struck during a pivotal year of national conflict and growth. With a total mintage of 1,628,059, these pieces were minted without a mint mark, which was standard for the Philadelphia facility at the time. Containing approximately 0.3866 troy ounces of silver, each coin was a substantial piece of precious metal destined for active circulation. The design features the classic Capped Bust motif. On the obverse, a left-facing portrait of Liberty wears a soft cap inscribed with the word LIBERTY, surrounded by stars and the 1812 date. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, beneath a scroll bearing the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The denomination is indicated along the bottom edge as 50 C. This specific specimen has been officially graded as XF-45 (Extremely Fine 45), indicating that it survived decades of potential wear with its design details and historical character remarkably well-preserved.