BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED U.S. CAPPED BUST SILVER HALF DOLLAR

FOR SALE IS 1 RARE CHOICE GEM BU+++ (BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED) 50C U.S. CAPPED BUST SILVER HALF DOLLAR.

Designer John Reich

Composition .8924 silver .1076 copper

Weight 13.48 grams

Diameter 32.5 mm

In 1801, Thomas Jefferson recommended German immigrant, John Reich, to become an engraver at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Despite the recommendation, Reich was only given menial jobs at the mint and almost decided to return back to Europe. In 1807, Chief Engraver Robert Scot, designer of the Seal of the United States, decided to give Reich the title of Second Engraver. Director of the U.S. Mint, Robert M. Patterson, gave Reich the task of redesigning the coins that were currently being minted. Reich's designs were the first to include denominations for silver and gold coinage. Reich resigned from the mint after 10 years in 1817 with speculation of poor treatment from Robert Scot, from jealousy of his coin designs being replaced. The Capped Bust Half Dollar was minted from 1807-1839.