The Half Dollar, authorized by the Act of April 2, 1792, was not minted until December 1794. The early half dollars have been extensively collected by die varieties, of which many exist for most dates. 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 206-1/4 grains, .900 fine. Arrows at the date in 1853 indicate the reduction of weight to 192 grains, in conformity with the Act of February 21, 1853. Arrows remained in 1854 and 1855.
Flowing Hair (1794-1795); Draped Bust Half Dollars (1796-1807); Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807-1839); Liberty Seated Half Dollars (1839-1891); Barber or Liberty Head (1892-1915); Liberty Walking (1916-1947); Franklin (1948-1963); Kennedy (1964 to Date).
Ex-SS Republic (blue label). Among the few recovered half dollars that were nice enough to earn a grade, and not 'shipwreck effect'. Hard to find! More
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Subtly gorgeous. Bountiful luster; original surfaces. Bid=8500. PCGS:12,500. More
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The Half Dollar, authorized by the Act of April 2, 1792, was not minted until December 1794. The early half dollars have been extensively collected by die varieties, of which many exist for most dates. 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 206-1/4 grains, .900 fine. Arrows at the date in 1853 indicate the reduction of weight to 192 grains, in conformity with the Act of February 21, 1853. Arrows remained in 1854 and 1855.
Flowing Hair (1794-1795); Draped Bust Half Dollars (1796-1807); Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807-1839); Liberty Seated Half Dollars (1839-1891); Barber or Liberty Head (1892-1915); Liberty Walking (1916-1947); Franklin (1948-1963); Kennedy (1964 to Date).
