Numismatic

1829/7 Bust Half Dollar XF

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In 1829, the Philadelphia Mint produced a series of silver half dollars that carry a fascinating physical record of early American minting practices. Among these is a compelling overdate variety, designated as the 1829/7, where the digit nine was engraved directly over a seven in the date. This distinctive feature offers a direct window into an era when dies were painstakingly altered and reused by hand. The obverse of this silver piece presents a classic profile of Lady Liberty. She faces left, her hair flowing beneath a Phrygian cap, which is adorned with a headband clearly displaying the word LIBERTY. Thirteen stars encircle her, with the modified date positioned at the bottom of the design. On the reverse, a detailed heraldic eagle dominates the center, its chest protected by a striped shield. In its talons, the eagle grasps both an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing a preference for peace but a readiness for defense. Above the eagle, a scroll bears the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, while the legends UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination 50C encircle the design. Struck in 0.8924 fine silver, this coin contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal and stands as a remarkable survivor from the early nineteenth century.