HALF DOLLAR 1836-1837 Reeded Edge, 50 CENTS

Description

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.

Valuation

In 1836, steam-powered presses were introduced to the Philadelphia Mint. This marks a time when the striking of a coin became more consistent. It also marked a time when designers could really exploit detail and precision. Despite, the innovation of the steam-powered press in this year, only 1200 of this 1836 Half Dollar were produced. One of these is among the most prized in any collection.

COIN NAME
HALF DOLLAR 1836-1837 Reeded Edge, 50 CENTS: DESIGNED BY
Christian Gobrecht: ISSUE DATE
1836-1837: COMPOSITION
0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper: DIAMETER
30 mm: WEIGHT
206.25 grains: EDGE
Reeded: BUS MINT
3,631,020: PROOF MINT
Fewer than 40

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