Numismatic

1814 Bust Half Dollar VG

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The year 1814 marked a significant era in early American coining, a time when the Philadelphia Mint produced this silver half dollar. Struck with a silver purity of 0.8924, each of these fifty-cent pieces contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. With a total mintage of 1,039,075, these coins represent a fascinating period of early United States history, surviving today in various states of preservation, including specimens certified in Very Good condition. The design of this half dollar, created by John Reich, showcases the classic imagery of a young republic. On the obverse, a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty is depicted, wearing a cap inscribed with the word LIBERTY, surrounded by stars with the date 1814 positioned at the bottom. Turning the coin over reveals a detailed reverse design featuring an American eagle. The eagle holds an olive branch of peace in one talon and a bundle of arrows representing strength in the other, with a protective shield draped across its chest. Above the eagle, a scroll displays the national motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, while the surrounding inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination 50 C.