Numismatic

1809 Bust Half Dollar Good

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In 1809, the Philadelphia Mint produced a run of 1,405,810 silver half dollars, representing an early chapter in United States coinage. This fifty-cent piece is composed of 89.24 percent silver, which equates to approximately 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. Today, examples surviving in Good condition offer a tangible look at the craftsmanship of the young nation's minting operations during the opening decade of the nineteenth century. The visual presentation of the coin, created by designer John Reich, features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse. Her hair is covered by a cap, and the word LIBERTY is visible above her profile, with the date 1809 positioned at the bottom. This depiction of Liberty was a standard representation of American ideals during this era. On the reverse, the design showcases an eagle with a shield placed across its chest. The bird clutches an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing a desire for peace alongside a readiness for defense. The scroll above the eagle displays the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, surrounded by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.