Numismatic

1818/7 Bust Half Dollar XF (Small 8)

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In the early years of the United States Mint, coin production was a hands-on, highly detailed craft. This silver half dollar from 1818 offers a fascinating glimpse into that era. Struck in Philadelphia with a silver purity of 0.8924, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a time when each die was individually prepared, often leading to distinct variations that delight modern observers. The front of the coin displays a classic profile of Lady Liberty, facing right, with her hair flowing beneath a cap. The word LIBERTY is inscribed above her, and the date 1818 is positioned below the bust. This particular variety is known as the 1818 over 7, featuring a small second 8, which reveals how the mint workers modified an existing 1817 die to strike the new year's coinage. On the reverse, a detailed eagle is depicted with a shield draped across its chest. The bird holds an olive branch of peace in one claw and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing the young nation's readiness for both peace and defense. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, completing a design that captures the spirit of early American coinage.