Numismatic

1819 Bust Half Dollar Fine

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The year 1819 marked a fascinating era in early United States coinage, captured beautifully in this Capped Bust silver half dollar. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin represents a time when the young nation was still establishing its monetary identity. Composed of 89.24 percent silver, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. It remains a tangible survivor from a total mintage of 2,208,000 pieces produced that year. The obverse side of the coin presents a profile of Lady Liberty, her hair draped beneath a soft cap, with the word LIBERTY clearly inscribed above her. Thirteen stars flank her image, representing the original colonies, with the date 1819 anchored at the bottom. This design, created by John Reich, showcases the artistic transition of early American currency. On the reverse, a detailed eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows symbolizes the nation's desire for peace alongside its readiness for defense. A shield is placed over the eagle's chest, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed on a banner above. The outer rim bears the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination indicated as 50 C.