Numismatic

1835 Half Dime Small Date/Large 5¢ Good

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This silver half dime from 1835 offers a window into early United States coinage. Struck with a silver purity of 0.8924, this tiny coin contains 0.0387 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a fascinating era of American minting, produced at the Philadelphia Mint during a time when the nation was still young and expanding its monetary system. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty, styled with a Phrygian cap resting on her head. The word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed upon her headband, symbolizing the core values of the early republic. This design was created by William Kneass, who captured a classic representation of freedom that defined the coinage of the period. On the reverse, an eagle is depicted with a protective shield across its chest. The bird holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons, representing the dual national themes of peace and defense. This specific variety is noted for its small date on the obverse paired with a large five-cent designation on the reverse, making it a compelling study for those who appreciate the subtle variations of early American silver.