Numismatic

1808-1836 Bust Half Dollars Avg Circ

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In the early decades of the United States, the half dollar served as a cornerstone of daily commerce. Minted between the years of 1808 and 1836, these silver fifty-cent pieces offer a fascinating window into the young republic's coinage. Each coin contains 0.3868 troy ounces of silver, with a purity of 0.8924, representing a tangible piece of early American monetary history backed fully by the United States government. The visual artistry of this series was crafted by designer John Reich. On the obverse side, the profile of Lady Liberty faces left, her hair adorned with a cap inscribed with the word LIBERTY. This classic representation of freedom is paired with a reverse design that showcases a heraldic eagle. The eagle bears a protective shield upon its chest while gripping a cluster of arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing both the strength and the peaceful aspirations of the nation. Above the eagle, the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed, completing a design that defined American silver coinage for nearly three decades.