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The Certified 1821 Bust Half Dollar graded VG8 by NGC is a compelling relic of early 19th-century American numismatics. As part of the Capped Bust series designed by John Reich, this coin reflects the transitional artistry and expanding production capabilities of the U.S. Mint during the early post-colonial period. Reich’s Capped Bust design, first introduced in 1807, remained in use until 1836 and marked a turning point in the development of distinctly American coinage design. The 1821 issue is situated in the middle of this series and is popular among collectors for its consistent mintage and aesthetic appeal. A VG8 grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) indicates a coin that saw moderate circulation but still retains legible design features, date, and inscriptions—making it a solid, affordable option for collectors building an early U.S. type set or date run.
The obverse of the 1821 Bust Half Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, wearing a soft Phrygian cap inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair flows in curled locks down her shoulder, and her gown is draped across her bust in stylized folds. Surrounding her are thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies, with seven to the left and six to the right. The date “1821” is boldly positioned at the bottom. On a VG8 specimen, Liberty’s profile remains intact though worn, with flattened features and smoothed-out details in the hair, cap, and gown. The stars are mostly outlined but weak in definition. Despite the wear, the central design elements are clear, and the overall presentation remains coherent and historically appealing.
The reverse design of the 1821 half dollar is a bold and muscular depiction of the American eagle. The eagle’s wings are outstretched, and a shield covers its chest. The eagle grasps an olive branch in its right talon, signifying peace, and a bundle of arrows in its left, symbolizing defense. Above the eagle is a scroll inscribed with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the rim. The denomination “50 C.” appears at the bottom. In this VG8 example, the eagle’s outline is complete, though the feathers, shield lines, and talons are heavily worn. The motto and surrounding legends remain legible, though some characters may show softness. The wear is even, with no distracting damage, lending the coin an aged but honest appearance that speaks to its era of circulation.
The 1821 half dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only operating mint facility in the United States at the time. The reported mintage for the year was 1,202,000 coins, a moderately high figure for the period. While not among the rarest dates in the Capped Bust series, the 1821 issue has a number of interesting die varieties cataloged in the Overton reference system. These varieties are based on specific combinations of obverse and reverse dies, which can differ in elements such as numeral size, star positioning, and shield detailing. While a VG8 coin may not preserve enough detail for attribution to a specific die marriage, it still contributes value as a representative of the date and type. Many collectors seek to complete the full run of Capped Bust halves by date, and the 1821 issue fills an important slot in that pursuit.
In terms of composition, the 1821 Capped Bust Half Dollar consists of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, consistent with the standard established by the Coinage Act of 1792. It weighs approximately 13.48 grams and has a diameter of 32.5 mm. These specifications make the Capped Bust half one of the largest silver coins of its time in U.S. circulation. Because of its high intrinsic value and widespread use, the half dollar was a dominant denomination in early American commerce. These coins were commonly used for business transactions, bank deposits, and even export, which led to high levels of attrition and extensive wear—making surviving certified examples like this VG8 all the more appreciated for their historical integrity.
Coins in VG8 condition exhibit uniform wear throughout, with major design elements visible in outline but little to no interior detail. For this 1821 example, Liberty’s silhouette is easily identifiable, and the date is fully legible. On the reverse, the eagle, motto, and rim inscriptions are worn but still present, giving the coin a balanced, circulated look. NGC’s certification confirms that the coin is genuine and problem-free, a key consideration for early silver coins which are often subject to cleaning, corrosion, or counterfeit concerns. The coin's surfaces typically display a soft silver-gray toning, adding to its period-appropriate appearance and enhancing its collector appeal.
John Reich’s Capped Bust design was a landmark in American coinage, bringing a more human and democratic style to U.S. coins. His vision emphasized simplicity, naturalism, and strength—ideals that resonated with the ethos of the growing American republic. Reich’s eagle on the reverse moved away from the stiff heraldic style and offered a more powerful and dynamic national symbol. The use of large, bold design elements also allowed the coins to retain their legibility even after considerable wear, as seen in this VG8 example over 200 years later. That practicality is one of the reasons the Capped Bust series remains popular among collectors today.
The early 1820s were a time of national expansion and stabilization for the United States. The country was just emerging from the aftermath of the War of 1812, and economic and territorial growth was on the rise. During 1821, James Monroe was serving his second term as president, and the country was entering a period of relative peace known as the “Era of Good Feelings.” The circulation of half dollars during this period reflected growing commerce and population, and the coins were heavily relied upon in an economy still largely dependent on physical silver and gold for exchange. This VG8 1821 half dollar circulated in that context, potentially passing through countless hands in towns, markets, and rural communities of the early republic.
In summary, the Certified 1821 Bust Half Dollar graded VG8 by NGC is an honest and collectible example of early U.S. silver coinage. Its worn but legible features make it an accessible and meaningful piece for collectors seeking a historic coin that retains its original charm. With a solid mintage, appealing classic design, and early 19th-century provenance, this half dollar bridges the gap between American history and numismatic heritage. Certified by NGC, it provides peace of mind in terms of authenticity and preservation, making it an ideal addition to a foundational collection of United States coinage.