Numismatic

1819 Bust Half Dollar VG

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In 1819, the Philadelphia Mint produced this silver half dollar, a denomination that played a vital role in early American commerce. Struck from 0.8924 fine silver, the coin contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. This piece survives from an original mintage of 2,208,000, representing a fascinating era of early United States coinage. The obverse displays a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty, her hair draped in a cap, surrounded by stars with the date 1819 positioned below. This classic depiction was created by designer John Reich, whose work came to define the look of American silver coinage during this era. On the reverse, a detailed eagle is depicted with a shield across its breast. The eagle clutches an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons, representing the young nation's desire for peace and its readiness for defense. This historic half dollar, graded in Very Good condition, offers a tangible look at the artistry and monetary standards of the early nineteenth century.