1839 Capped Bust Half Dollars : Small Letters Reverse

What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):

One very rare and valuable variety is the 1839 Capped Bust Half Dollar with Small Letters on the reverse of the coin. The letters "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOL." are smaller than normal and there is a much greater amount of space between the letters and rim of the coin. The difference is easily distinguishable from the large (or normal) letters variety. The difference between the 1839 Large (Normal) Letters vs Small Letters half dollar is depicted below in the example comparison image - especially note the spacing between the letters and the rim of the coin as depicted by the arrows. (Source of example image above and small letters variety below is courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries):

Coin Value Chart: Typical Coin Prices, Values and Worth in USD based on Grade/Condition. Numismatic portion of the values last updated February 2026, precious metal portion of the values is updated live!

Good (G-4)	Very Good (VG-8)	Fine (F-12)	Very Fine (VF-20)	Extremely Fine (EF-40)	About Uncirculated (AU-50)	Uncirculated (MS-60)	Uncirculated (MS-63)	Proof (PR-63)
$18,717	$24,620	$49,989	$62,621	$92,687	$118,872	$154,795	$215,999	-

USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1839 Capped Bust Half Dollar (Small Letters Reverse Variety) is Worth $24,620 in Average Condition and can be Worth $154,795 to $215,999 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Click here to see the Melt Value of every US Coin.


MELT VALUE: $26.37