Numismatic

1829 Capped Bust Half Dime Good

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The year 1829 marked a significant moment for United States coinage with the production of the Capped Bust half dime. Struck in 0.8924 fine silver at the Philadelphia Mint, this diminutive five cent piece contains 0.0387 troy ounces of precious metal. Despite its small size, the coin carries an intricate and historically rich design created by engraver William Kneass. On the obverse, Liberty is depicted facing left, wearing a traditional Phrygian cap. A headband across her hair clearly displays the word LIBERTY, a powerful symbol of the young nation's core values. This classic representation of freedom is surrounded by stars, framing the central portrait above the 1829 date. The reverse side of the coin features a detailed heraldic eagle. The bird is shown with a protective shield draped across its chest, while its talons grasp both an olive branch of peace and a cluster of arrows representing defense. This combination of symbolic elements captures the dual nature of early American foreign policy and national identity, making the 1829 half dime a fascinating subject for study and appreciation.