A survey of 19th century business strike coin
50C CAPPED BUST, REEDED, 50 CENTS (1836-1837)

Owner Comments:

In 1836 the United States mint introduced steam powered presses to its coinage operations. The Soho mint in England had introduced the concept in the 1790s, but the antiquated facilities at the first U.S. mint, which operated from 1792 to 1832, was not ready to take advantage of the new technology. The mint had planned to introduce its steam presses in February, but the inaugural coinage was delayed until March. The first stream struck pieces were mint medals which are known with both the February date (rare) and the March date (with the over date visible and not so scarce).

The first steam struck coins were the 1836 Reeded Edge half dollars. Collectors have long debated whether or not these pieces were patterns or regular issue coins. The vast majority of the 1836 half dollar coinage was the old style lettered edge coinage. In 1837, the Reeded half dollars became the official issue.

The coin shown above is an attractively toned piece full luster under the rich colors. Coins like this are quite scarce, although, as a type coin, lower grade examples are fairly common