1826 Half Dollar - 1826 50C NGC MS64. O-120a, R3. This lovely, toned, Capped Bust 1826 Half Dollar shows shades of russet, gold, tan, and silver. The presence of these colors confirms the coins originality. The surfaces are clean for the grade with no individually distracting abrasions or other marks. Beneath the toning is smoldering mint luster. Aside from Stars 8 and 9, the coin is well struck. Full details are present on the centers of the other eleven stars. They are also seen on Libertys hair and broach. On the reverse the motto band, the eagles head, and its neck and wings are well struck. 

The O-120a variety is identified by the inner points of Stars 8 and 9, which are closer than others. The stars on the left are better struck than those on the right. The numeral 2 in the date is very short with a blunt point. On the reverse, the 50 C. is well centered. The last A in AMERICA and the arrowhead are close but do not touch. The arrowheads are flat and connected to each other by small defects. The right sides of D-E and the left sides of T-I are in line. There is a prominent die crack through UNITED STAT. A second crack goes through 50 C. to the arrowheads. 

The Capped Bust half dollar was designed by John Reich. It is similar to his Capped Bust quarter. The half dollar shows a plump, capped head of Liberty in profile facing left. She wears a LIBERTY inscribed headband. Seven six-pointed stars are to the left and six are to the right with the date below. The reverse shows the heraldic eagle looking left with wings raised. Above the eagle, on a banner, is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The required inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the coin, and the denomination written as 50 C. is below. Dentils are around the periphery of both sides, and, the edge is lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF DOLLAR with a star added between DOLLAR and FIFTY.

John Reich, a skilled engraver, was born in Bavaria and came to the United States around 1800. In order to finance his passage, he sold himself into servitude. President Thomas Jefferson recommended that Reich be hired as an engraver at the Mint in 1801. When he was serving in Washingtons Cabinet, Jefferson was in charge of the Mint as Secretary of State. While in France, Jefferson developed a working knowledge of the minting process. Reich was hired for other duties, but he eventually became an engraver. He had a superb eye for the complicated aesthetics of coin engraving. At this time his freedom was purchased by an unknown mint official. Although Chief Engraver Robert Scot designed most of the coins at the mint since 1794, it was said that Reich had much more talent and ability than Scot.

NGC has only recently begun to certify Capped Bust half dollar by die variety. For the 1826, 120a variety, their population report shows only 1 better than the present piece.