Numismatic

1817 Bust Half Dollar Fine

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In 1817, the Philadelphia Mint produced a silver half dollar that captures the artistic spirit of early American coinage. Struck in 0.8924 fine silver, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. The coin represents the Capped Bust design era, a period celebrated for its hand-crafted feel and distinct national symbols. The obverse side presents a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty. Her hair is draped softly beneath a cap, and the word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed above her. The year 1817 is struck below the bust, anchoring the coin in the first decades of the United States. On the reverse, a detailed eagle stands with a shield across its chest, clutching an olive branch of peace and a bundle of arrows representing strength. The legendary motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed on a scroll above the eagle, while the surrounding inscription reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. At the bottom, the face value is indicated by the abbreviation 50 C., completing a classic layout that served as a cornerstone of early American commerce.