Numismatic

1838 Reeded Edge Half Dollar AU-53 PCGS

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In 1838, the Philadelphia Mint produced a striking half dollar that showcased a significant shift in American coinage design. This silver piece, containing 0.3868 troy ounces of precious metal, features a reeded edge rather than the lettered edges seen on earlier half dollars. This physical detail represents a transition toward more modern, mechanized minting techniques during the pre-1933 era of United States currency. The obverse of this fifty-cent piece displays the elegant profile of Lady Liberty, envisioned by designer Christian Gobrecht. She wears a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom, with her hair flowing downward. The single word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed across her band, and the year 1838 is positioned directly below the portrait. On the reverse, Gobrecht's design features a heraldic eagle. The bird is depicted with a protective shield across its chest, grasping an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, representing both peace and defense. This specific specimen has survived in remarkable condition, certified as Almost Uncirculated 53, preserving the fine details of this classic silver issue.