Numismatic

1838 Reeded Edge Half Dollar AU-53 NGC

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In 1838, the Philadelphia Mint produced a half dollar that marked a fascinating period of transition in American coinage. This silver coin, containing 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal with a purity of 0.8924, showcases a distinctive reeded edge. This physical feature stands out as a key characteristic of the issue, distinguishing it from earlier lettered edge varieties. The obverse displays a profile of Lady Liberty, who wears a traditional Phrygian cap with her hair flowing downward. Above her, the word LIBERTY is inscribed, while the date 1838 is positioned below the bust. This elegant depiction was created by Christian Gobrecht, whose work defined the aesthetic of mid nineteenth century United States currency. On the reverse, Gobrecht's detailed engraving depicts a heraldic eagle. The bird holds a striped shield upon its chest, grasping an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. The inscription surrounding the eagle reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while the denomination is noted at the bottom as HALF DOL. This specific specimen has been certified in Almost Uncirculated 53 condition, preserving the intricate lines of both the liberty portrait and the eagle's plumage for modern observers to appreciate.