The 1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar marks the first full year of the storied Reich design, representing a key moment in early American numismatics. Designed by John Reich, this classic coin features a distinctive Liberty portrait on the obverse—her hair cascading from beneath a soft cap inscribed “LIBERTY,” surrounded by thirteen stars, with the date positioned below. The reverse depicts a bold heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a shield on its chest and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” displayed on a flowing banner overhead.

Struck in Philadelphia in 1808, this half dollar was made from an alloy of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, weighing 13.48 grams and measuring 32.5 mm in diameter. The coin’s edge is distinguished by the iconic lettered inscription, “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR,” a hallmark of early U.S. Mint craftsmanship. This “first year of type” status makes the 1808 issue especially desirable for type collectors, as it closely follows the 1807 inaugural release and introduces subtle refinements to the Liberty portrait and eagle design.

Coins graded Very Fine (VF) show moderate wear on the highest parts of Liberty’s hair, cap, bust, and the eagle’s wings, but much of the primary detail remains sharp and clear. These circulated pieces still retain excellent historical character and strong eye appeal, especially when well preserved and displaying original patina. The hand production techniques of this era render each coin slightly unique, with variations in strike, planchet quality, and sometimes placement of the design.

John Reich, a German immigrant and master engraver, introduced a fresh elegance and more robust features to U.S. coinage through the Capped Bust series. His artistic improvements and more natural depictions set a new standard, making these coins highly attractive to collectors and historians alike. Reich’s contribution is widely credited with elevating the artistry and technical proficiency of early American coins.

An 1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar in VF stands as both a beautiful relic of early America and a tribute to Reich’s engraving legacy. It is cherished by collectors for its connections to the formative years of the U.S. Mint, its tangible sense of age, and its role in bridging the nation’s early coinage traditions with increasingly sophisticated styles.