Heads or Tales: The 1833 Half Dollar is a Numismatic Gem
A choice (MS-63) 1833 Capped Bust half dollar, one of the most common dates of the 1807-1836 design showed a staggering 20,567% return by 1989. In 2005, the Guide Book of United States Coins lists such a coin at $1,400, nearly doubling that spectacular figure. Recent auction record stands at $2,300.
Quality and Availability
Back in the day, most collectors didn't pay much attention to quality. Choice and gem coins could often be acquired for little more than a typical example. But a savvy connoisseur who bought a gem 1833 half dollar with good eye appeal in 1949 (which would grade MS-65 or finer today) would now have a coin worth over $5,000!
Real life example: A fellow collector spent $5,000 in 1983 to buy 10 gem coins of various common Capped Bust half dollar dates. His collection sold for over $40,000 in 2007.
Capped Bust half dollars (1807-1836) in MS-63 to MS-65 grades are plentiful. I've personally bought, sold, and auctioned hundreds of them over the years. You didn't need special connections or an inside track to acquire them.
Growth
The 1833 Capped Bust half dollar (an MS-63 NGC coin with lustrous deep golden gray color and iridescent highlights), is one of the most frequently encountered dates. These coins have steadily increased in value over time:
1948: $4
1953: $5
1958: $10
1963: $20
1968: $60
1973: $200
1978: $450
1983: $500
1989: $775
2005: $1,400
2024: $2,300
Food for Thought
While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, it's worth considering:
How have other common date Capped Bust half dollars performed over time?
What factors contribute to the steady growth in value of these coins?
Are there any current market trends that could impact the future value of these half dollars?
As always, remember that coin prices can fluctuate, and market cycles and shifting collector preferences can influence values. We'll dive deeper into these topics in future articles.