BEAUTIFUL TONING MUCH BETTER IN PERSON ALL THE HUES IN A RAINBOW  

1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar 50C Philadelphia SMALL LETTERS AU55 50c Silver Coin

Solid luster and crisp design elements show the impeccable care this half received over the last couple centuries. Rich golden amber hues artfully drape over well defined central devices with vibrant luster in the recesses. Only the lightest of luster breaks at the high points preclude this example from the uncirculated ranks.

PCGS Price Guide Value $850 

Typical of half dollars dated 1830-33, many are poorly struck from rather tired dies, and a bit of searching may be required to secure a sharp coin. A more youthful bust of Liberty was transitioned during this year, with obverse dies known for both subtypes. These are not sought by general collectors, and they do not appear in popular catalogs. The only varieties sought by non-specialists are the Large Letters and Small Letters reverses. 

The former appeared on only one reverse die (O-101), and this developed a progressive die break connecting the eagle's right wing with the olive leaves below it. This variety is common enough that it commands little or no premium, and the only significant rarity for this date is a Small Letters variety, O-123. This is believed to have been solely for coining proofs. Varieties O-109 and O-117 are scarce enough to command a premium among variety specialists.

John Reich designed this capped-head concept of Liberty, and it was modified by Chief Engraver of the Mint, William Kneass. It proved to be a popular design and lasted from 1807 to 1839 on the half dollar, 1815 to 1838 on the quarter, 1809 to 1837 on the dime, and 1829 to 1837 on the half dime. All four of these coin were struck in 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper. There was also a gold design created by engraver Robert Scot created in 1795, also called the Capped Bust, although it is more popularly known as the "Turban Head" because of its unusual, exotic appearance. The Turban design was used on the gold Quarter Eagle, Half Eagle, and Eagle from 1795 to 1834. On the Quarter and Half Eagles, the Turban design was replaced with the regular Capped Bust design in 1808 and 1807, respectively, while the Eagle, having been out of production since 1804, adopted the "Coronet" Liberty Head design in 1838.