The Reeded Edge, Capped Bust half dollars were first pieces of that denomination that the Philadelphia Mint struck on a steam press. Some type collectors lump the 1837 and 1838 coins together, but they are really two types. The difference most often noted is “50 Cents” on the reverse of the 1837 and “Half Dol.” on the 1838, but it goes further than that. Note the rims. On the 1837 they are shallow on the reverse and would not afford a lot of protection for the lettering On the 1838 the rims are significantly higher and would provide more protection. That way the coin would last longer in circulation. Oddly enough I have not seen a lot of these coins that were heavily worn.
I noted in Roger Burdette's book, "From Mine to Mint" (pages 54-55) that Franklin Peale's steam-powered coin press of 1835 required some modifications to the iron press castings that had to be bought from various manufacturers. As a result, it was often necessary to adjust the dies in the press by a master press operator and depended on the characteristics of the metal being struck. Do you think that these adjustments may have had something to do with the variations in the strike of each coin? Chris
