The Bust Half Dollar, also sometimes referred to as the Capped Bust Half Dollar, boasts a rich history within the U.S. coinage system. Here's a breakdown of its key points:

Design and Timeline (1807-1836):

• Design: The obverse (front) featured Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom during the Roman Republic. The reverse (back) displayed a heraldic eagle design.
• Minting Period: These silver coins were minted from 1807 to 1836, with the exception of 1816 due to a fire that halted production.

Successor to the Draped Bust Half Dollar:

• The Bust Half Dollar replaced the Draped Bust Half Dollar, which was minted from 1796 to 1807. The new design offered a more modern and classic portrayal of Liberty.

Production:

• Mintage amounts varied throughout the years, with some reaching over 6.5 million coins (1836, the final year).
• The lowest mintage year was 1815, with only 47,150 coins produced.

Varieties and Rarities:

• Several scarce varieties exist within the Bust Half Dollar series, including the 1817/4 overdate (where the "7" in the date conceals a "4") and some specific die pairings with unique characteristics.

End of the Bust Half Era:

• The Bust Half Dollar design gave way to the Seated Liberty Half Dollar in 1837, marking a shift in the depiction of Liberty on U.S. coinage.

Popularity and Collecting:

• Bust Half Dollars are popular among collectors due to their historical significance, design variations, and the challenge of finding certain rare varieties in good condition.

Additional Points:

• All Bust Half Dollars were minted at the Philadelphia Mint.
• They were made from 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper.
• Their denomination (50 cents) was not explicitly stated on the coin itself until the later Seated Liberty design.

I hope this provides a good summary of the Bust Half Dollar's history! If you'd like to delve deeper into specific aspects like varieties or collecting value, feel free to ask!