Description
1820 50C Square 2, Large Date, Knob 2 Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS MS62 (CAC)
PCGS # 6122
Grading Service PCGS
Grade MS62
Mint Location Philadelphia
Year 1820
Designation
Strike Business
Grade Add On CAC
1820 50C Square 2, Large Date, Knob 2 Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS MS62 (CAC)
1820 50C Sq. 2, Lg Date, Knob 2
SKU: 50694981
1820 50C Capped Bust Half Dollar — Square 2, Large Date, Knob 2 — PCGS MS62 (CAC), Philadelphia
A scarce and desirable Red Book variety, this 1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar combines three sought-after diagnostics: Square Base 2 in the “50 C.” denomination on the reverse, a Large Date on the obverse, and the distinctive Knob 2 in the date. Certified MS62 by PCGS and approved by CAC, it offers certified Mint State quality with eye appeal and originality that stand out in a challenging issue.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the early Federal era, the coin displays John Reich’s iconic Capped Bust design with its bold heraldic eagle, E PLURIBUS UNUM ribbon, and lettered edge reading “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.” The 1820 half dollar series is famous for a dizzying array of varieties—Large vs. Small Date, Square vs. Curl Base 2, Knob vs. Plain 2, multiple overdates, and more—making properly attributed examples like this one essential for advanced collections. Mint State pieces of the Square 2, Large Date, Knob 2 are decidedly scarce, and the finest certified at PCGS is a single coin graded MS66.
Key attributes:
Variety: Square Base 2 (reverse “50 C.”), Large Date, Knob 2 (obverse)
Grade: PCGS MS62; CAC-approved for superior quality within the grade
Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark), lettered edge
Mintage: Approximately 751,122 for the 1820 date across all varieties
Population: PCGS reports 11 in MS62 with only 16 graded higher (as supplied)
Why collectors want it:
Proven scarcity in Mint State for this exact marriage of diagnostics
CAC endorsement adds confidence for both advanced specialists and quality-conscious buyers
Attractive option for a Capped Bust type set with a premium variety, or for a Red Book/Overton-focused cabinet
Historically significant early U.S. half dollar from the Monroe-era Mint, showcasing Reich’s influential design
Attribution notes for this variety:
Reverse: Square-based “2” in the denomination “50 C.”
Obverse: Large date layout with a rounded “knob” at the base of the 2
This is a compelling opportunity to secure a certified Mint State, CAC-stickered 1820 Square 2, Large Date, Knob 2 Capped Bust Half Dollar—an important variety that rarely appears this nice. Add it to your collection with confidence.