Numismatic

1823 Bust Half Dollar Fine

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This silver fifty-cent piece from 1823 offers a window into the early years of United States coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin is composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. Having circulated through early American commerce, this specimen survives in Fine condition, showing honest wear that tells its own story of survival. The obverse displays a classic profile of Liberty facing right, her hair draped beneath a cap inscribed with her name. Thirteen stars flank her image, with the year 1823 anchored at the bottom. This design, created by John Reich, represents one of the foundational motifs of early United States currency. On the reverse, Reich's artistic vision continues with an American eagle. The bird is depicted with a patriotic shield across its chest, clutching an olive branch of peace in one talon and a bundle of arrows representing strength in the other. Above the eagle, a scroll displays the national motto, while the denomination is noted at the very bottom as 50 C.