Numismatic

1808 Bust Half Dollar VF

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This silver half dollar from 1808 offers a window into the early years of United States coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin is composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing 0.3868 troy ounces of the precious metal. It represents a time when the young nation was establishing its identity through its circulating currency, with a total mintage of 1,368,600 pieces for this specific year. The obverse displays a classic profile of Lady Liberty, her hair draped gently, facing right beneath the word LIBERTY and the 1808 date. On the reverse, an eagle dominates the design, holding a shield upon its chest. In its talons, the eagle grasps both an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbols representing a desire for peace alongside a readiness for defense. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is visible above the eagle, surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination marked as 50 Cents. Surviving in Very Fine condition, this coin retains clear details of its intricate engravings. The artistry of the design, created by John Reich, showcases the detailed craftsmanship of early nineteenth-century minting technology.