Half Dollars: What series is more popular with collectors (Capped bust or Liberty Seated)?
WildWestHalfDollars
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I am new to Half Dollars so curious.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
0
Comments
I like the seated better myself
Mr_Spud
Seated
CBH
most popular is probably the Liberty Walking Halves
There are more CBHs available in better condition than SLHs. Many CBHs were used for bank transfers vs circulation as the SLHs were used. Additionally, beyond condition availability, CBHs reflect an earlier mint technology that created several interesting varieties. While I think artistically the SLHs are a more attractive design, I suspect that between the two, the CBHs attract more interest.
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
My question was for these 2 specific series:
Capped bust halves
or
Liberty Seated
?
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
I suspect CBHs are more popular. It’s a shorter series, they’re older, the mintages are greater in general, and there are lots of interesting die marriages. There are always a lot more CBHs on GC than SLHs.
From the viewpoint of how many people have PCGS Registry Sets:
120 Capped Bust halves, basic set
44 Liberty Seated halves, basic set
But the sets are quite different:
29 coins in Capped Bust
113 coins in Liberty Seated, including the very expensive 1878-S.
For die variety collecting, Capped Bust halves have a lot of interesting varieties, and have had books for decades,
while the Liberty Seated varieties are less dramatic due to more automated die technology.
And for those who desire CAC’d examples, the pops are much greater for the CBH’s.
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Walkers - just changing the pace!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
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I collect mostly 19th and 18th century coins, but I built a short set of “Walkers” from 1941 to 1947. I have come to greatly admire the work Adolph Weiman. He was a great coin and medal artist.
CBH are terrible. Stick with seated.
BHNC #248 … 140 and counting.
From a series perspective, either as a Redbook Set (or close to it) or as a Year Set, I think the CBH's are more popular overall. But the SLH's are pretty cool too.
I would love to have a complete Year set of Halves from 1794 to 1947, with a mix of overdates, varieties and different mints to represent each year.
That might be asking a little much, especially with the 1796 and 1797 issues, but a man can dream, right?
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Why is that? Based on your icon I would think you want less competition.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
Yes, I believe he was joking.
It's an old tradition to pretend to discourage people from collecting your favorite series!
I don't know which one is more popular, I'll be watching the thread with interest. I love them both.
No, barbers. Everybody should focus exclusively on barbers.
Capped bust for sure
I'm BACK!!! Used to be Billet7 on the old forum.
Yes. It was a joke.
BHNC #248 … 140 and counting.
That’s not changing the pace - it’s ignoring the question that was asked.
However, beyond the preferences of forum members who reply, I don’t think that the answer to the original question can necessarily be determined. And my guess is that Capped Bust halves are more popular here.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
CBH hands down
Just looking at Registry Sets it seems that Capped Bust Halves are a bit more approachable than Seated Issues... at least with regards to the number of coins needed to complete the set. The 1878-S is a stopper for most but there are also a number of 1870's CC minted coins that are still pretty tough...
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I think that the Capped Bust is more popular than the Seated half dollars. Many collect Overton varieties, and given number VF above coins available, the Capped Bust are more approachable. The Seated series has way too many mint marked coins for me.
I like seated coinage the best but capped Bust halves are very interesting, because of the many die varieties and because they’re earlier, which I find desirable. Years ago, Capped Busts were undervalued, but not anymore, as they’re coming into their own. I think they’re probably the most popular overall.
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My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I think CBH are more popular to everyday collectors. I collect both series, completed the CBH basic set and very close to completing the Seated Half basic set. If you like varieties thin flip a coin as each series is loaded and at present I am still pursuing major varieties in each series. I enjoy collecting CBH as well as Seated Halves but Seated Halves have been far more challenging but also far more rewarding for me.
I'd debate that a little bit, depending on which registry set composition you're looking at.
But I agree, as a full date and mint set, the SLH's are tough.
Of course that '17/4 CBH is kindof a stopper for a Date and Variety Set on the CBH's too.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Guess I will start with the 1794-1839 (own a few already) series and see after that what I will do. Will likely take me 5 years just to do that series minus 1796 and 1797.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
The Capped Bust Halves start in 1807, but the earlier types are also interesting for generally the same reasons.
You probably know the 1794 is also relatively expensive, if you are collecting by date.
If you are looking at CBHs then you are not looking at the half dollars from 1794-1807 of the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust styles. These are different animals entirely and very very few folks complete these because of the 1796 and 1797 coins. Pick coins you like, in grades you like, at levels you can afford, and don't worry about anything else. Especially if you have OCD to any level.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I understand but want to add the earlier dates as well. I am selling my Latin American coin collection once I get the funds I will be able to purchase a low grade 1794. I will never be able to buy the 1796 or 1797. My goal is 1794-1839 for the next 5+ years. I would be OK with authentic PCGS for 1794-1795-1801-1802-1815 (or max G-04).
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
Depends, what exactly is your goal?
Mike
My Indians
Dansco Set
It was NOT a joke Mr. Paul wants LESS competition
The joke part was "CBH are terrible."
Date set 1794-1839 minus 1796 and 1797. Maybe add some varieties as well will see how it goes. If I get intense about varieties I may just forget 1839-1891 will see.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
Bust over seated by a substantial margin, in my experience.
Official PCGS account of:
www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com
He knows. Were friends outside the forum.
BHNC #248 … 140 and counting.
Still debating on what series I like more dammit (I like both but have to chose one)!!! I like the earlier ones but I also like the 1839-1891 due to various mints. So far I own 2 CBP halves and 4 seated liberty halves. I cannot colelct both would be to costly I have to decide. Will sell the ones I do not keep to make sure I only stick with one series either 1794-1839 or 1839-1891.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
So of course I asked our AI friend ChatGPT what 'it' thought..................
I am leaning towards the LSH series since I can never own a 1796 or 1797.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
Going to go with the LSH and sell both my 1809 and 1830. Cannot have everything in life on a smaller budget.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
Between the two, I pick capped. Seated looks okay in mint state but wears down to only a giant triangle. Capped looks good across the grading scale.
Capped bust halfs here. Whatever make ya happy
Seated is harder with more stoppers.
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
You're in luck because 1796 and 1797 halves are neither capped bust nor seated halves. Capped bust is not out of the equation yet!! Take another few months to think about it.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
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JRCS #1606
I was going to do 1794-1839 that is why I said I cannot afford the 1796 or 1797. I am going to stick with SLH cannot have it all.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
In the long run if all goes well over the years I will add some of the earlier CBH to my collection (key dates only in low grades). Will see what life brings.
US half dollars (1839-1891) condition G04 to F12
Absolute ground-breaking incredible idea!!
We are still holding out hope here guys
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
I think there are far more capped bust half collectors.
CBH would be my choice, completely.
Jim
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Going by the Heritage historical sales data, the capped bust half has a slight edge measured as a series, but a distinct advantage as a type; average sales for each date.