United Stated Fifty-Cents or Half Dollars (part 1)

(1794 - 1874)

The half dollar, authorized by the Act of April 2, 1792, was not minted until December 1794.  The early types of this series have been extensively collected by die varieties, of which many exist for most dates.  In the early years each individual die was hand made.

When the half dollar was first issued, its weight was 208 grains and its fineness .8924.  This standard was not changed until 1837, when the law of January 18. 1837, specified 206 1/2 grains, .900 fine.  This fineness continued in use untill 1965.

Flowing Hair (1794 - 1795)

In 1794 when U.S. silver coinage began, the hald dollar was one of the first denominations to be issued in that metal, along with the silver dollar and the half-dime.

Draped Bust (1796 - 1807)

The first two years of this series the back of the coin showed a somewhat scrawny eagle with wings outstretched standing on a bed of clouds, all surrounded by a wreath.  In 1801 a new reverse design was introduced that mimicked the Great Seal of the United States, thereafter showing an eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast, cloud and stars above.  This design lasted until 1807.

Capped Bust (1807 - 1839)

John Reich designed this capped-head concept of Liberty.  The head of Liberty facing left was used on all U.S. silver coin denominations for the next 30 years.  Reich was the first artist to consistently include the denomination on U.S. gold and silver coins.  This coin has a lettered edge with the words FIFTY CENTS OR HALF DOLLAR.  Consult a coin guide on the various die varieties of this series.

Seated Liberty (1839 - 1891)

Like all of the other Seated Liberty denominations, the coins did not have a motto.  In 1866 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added in a banner to the field above the eagles head on the reverse.  In 1853 arrows were added to both sides of the date to denote the change in weight of the metal.  1873-1874 arrows were again added to show recognition of the U.S. mints adoption of the metric system.  The Seated Liberty Half dollar design was eventually retired and a new design was introduced in 1892.  Look for part 2 of my Half Dollar Identification Guide.

Check out and look for my other Identification Guides, on other United States Mint denominations.  Half-Cent, Large Cent, Small Cent, 2,3&20 Cents, Half-Dimes, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars....   Silver and Gold Coins....    I think you get the picture.  Have fun and enjoy the hobby of collecting coins.