1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar

The year 1836 marked a significant event for the United States Mint: its first steam-powered coining press was placed into service. This technological innovation made it possible to produce more coinage and with higher precision.

The first regular U.S. coin to come off the new steam powered press was the 1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar.

Mint Director Robert M. Patterson wrote to Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury: “The milling [i.e., reeding] as well as the striking has been done by the new machinery, and the steam-power; and the saving of labor, and the acceleration of our work, will be very great. Heretofore we have used two screw presses for coining half dollars, --one of them only occasionally. The smaller of these presses required three men to work it, the larger four. The steam press, with a single hand to feed the planchets, will do more work than these two presses with seven hands."

The press referred to by Director Patterson above is on display at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. Amazingly, the press is still functional and is used to produce medals for special occasions.

Because of its unique role in Mint history and true scarcity, the 1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar merits a place on the Honor Roll of United States coinage.