Numismatic

1824 Bust Half Dollar XF

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This silver half dollar from 1824 offers a fascinating window into early American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin is composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents the Capped Bust series, a classic era of United States currency that circulated widely during the early nineteenth century. The obverse side displays a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her hair draped gently beneath a cap inscribed with her name. Thirteen stars flank her profile, with the year 1824 positioned clearly at the bottom. This detailed depiction was created by engraver John Reich, whose work defined the look of American silver coinage for a generation. On the reverse, a powerful eagle stands with a patriotic shield draped across its chest. In its talons, the bird grasps both an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing a desire for peace alongside a readiness for defense. Above the eagle, a scroll bears the national motto, while the denomination is noted at the very bottom as fifty cents.