Numismatic

1830 Bust Half Dollar VF (Small 0)

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The year 1830 marked a fascinating era in early American coinage, exemplified by this Capped Bust half dollar. Struck in 0.8924 fine silver at the Philadelphia Mint, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a time when United States coinage was establishing its visual identity, showcasing hand-crafted artistry on every planchet. On the obverse, a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty is depicted wearing a cap inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Her curled hair drapes over her shoulder, surrounded by stars and the 1830 date at the bottom. This design, created by John Reich, captures the classical aesthetic that defined the young nation's early currency. The reverse features a powerful heraldic eagle clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing both strength and peace. A shield is placed over the eagle's chest, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed on a banner above. The denomination is indicated at the bottom as 50 C. This specific coin has survived in Very Fine condition, allowing modern observers to appreciate the intricate details of its nineteenth-century craftsmanship.