The 1809 Capped Bust Half Dollar with the rare “XXX” lettered edge is a distinctive and highly sought-after U.S. coin from the early 19th century. Struck in Philadelphia, it features John Reich’s iconic design: Liberty facing left with the word “LIBERTY” on a headband and thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date below. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on a ribbon and the denomination “50C” beneath.
What sets this coin variety apart is its unusual edge inscription: “DOLLAR XXXXXX FIFTY CENTS OR HALF.” The “XXX” edge, a product of experimental or repaired edge dies, is much less common than the standard lettered edge, making it a specialty for advanced collectors. The edge inscription is crude and distinctive for this issue, and only a handful of Overton die pairings (especially O-102 and O-107a) feature this variant.
In VG (Very Good) Details grade, the coin shows moderate wear but all major details remain visible and the lettered edge can be read with some effort. “Details” designation often means there is some issue (such as cleaning or minor surface damage), but rarity outweighs these negatives for collectors focused on type or edge varieties. The coin contains 89% silver and approximately 0.3869 troy ounces of silver weight.
The XXX edge variety is far rarer than typical 1809 Capped Bust halves, making it much more desirable for those building advanced or specialized collections. Values in this grade, even with “Details,” will be several multiples higher than normal edge examples, and well-preserved pieces (in VF and above) can command thousands of dollars at auction for strong Overton numbers.
Overall, the 1809 XXX edge Capped Bust Half Dollar in VG Details is a rare and important specimen, blending historic early U.S. minting, experimental edge work, and classic Federal-period design. It stands as a true prize for serious collectors of bust halves and U.S. varieties.
