HALF DOLLAR 1836-1837 Reeded Edge, 50 CENTS - More Details
It was not uncommon, during this time period, to see both the diameter and total weight of all coins begin to shrink. While many believe it was at the discretion of the mint to shrink the coins, it was actually only through an act of Congress that coins could be reduced in size and weight, specifically weight.
In 1836, Christian Gobrecht modified John Reich's Capped Bust style. The result was a coin with reeded edge, displaying at center the older design of Miss Liberty facing left, wearing a cloth cap with a band inscribed LIBERTY, with tresses falling to her shoulder, and with her bosom draped in a gown secured by a brooch. Six stars are to the left and seven to the right. The date is below. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a branch and holding three arrows with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and the denomination expressed as 50 CENT'S below.
1836 half dollars of the reeded edge format were produced to the extent of just 1,200 pieces and are rare in all grades today. 1837 half dollars were minted in a quantity of 3,629,820 and are relatively plentiful in grades from Good through Extremely Fine.