Numismatic

1836 Bust Half Dollar VG (Lettered Edge)

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The year 1836 marked a fascinating era in United States coinage, captured beautifully in this silver fifty-cent piece. Minted in Philadelphia, this Capped Bust half dollar is composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a time when American coinage was establishing its visual identity on the world stage. The obverse of the coin displays a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her hair draped in curls beneath a cap. The word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed above her profile, with the year 1836 anchored at the bottom. This design, created by John Reich, offers a window into the artistic sensibilities of the early nineteenth century. On the reverse, a detailed heraldic eagle dominates the center. The eagle holds a defensive shield across its chest, while its talons grasp both an olive branch of peace and a cluster of arrows symbolizing strength. Surrounding this central image is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, along with the denomination marked as 50 C. at the bottom. Adding to its distinct character, this issue features a lettered edge, a traditional security measure of the era.