Coin Highlights Issuer: United States of America Date: 1834 Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark) Denomination: Half Dime (5¢) Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper Weight: 1.35 g Diameter: 15.5 mm Grade: NGCX MS 9.2 (≈ MS62) – Uncirculated with minor marks and light friction Obverse Design: Bust of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by 13 stars with date below. Reverse Design: Heraldic eagle with shield, arrows, and olive branch; inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and denomination 5C below. Edge: Reeded Orientation: Coin alignment (↑↓) Historical Significance The Capped Bust Half Dime series (1829–1837) was designed by William Kneass, evolving from John Reich’s earlier Capped Bust motif. In 1834, America was in the midst of Andrew Jackson’s presidency, during a period of expanding U.S. commerce and silver coinage circulation. The half dime served as a practical small-denomination coin before the nickel five-cent piece was introduced in 1866. Collectibility Mintage (1834): 1,334,000 coins, relatively modest compared to later U.S. silver denominations. In MS62 equivalent, this coin retains sharp detail and original mint luster, though with light contact marks and handling typical for the grade. Popular with type collectors of early U.S. silver and specialists in half dimes, the 1834 issue is an accessible yet historically significant date. AG-3 About Good- Details clear enough to identify. G-4 Good- Date, letters, and stars discernible. Bust outlined, no details. VG-8 Very Good- Legends and date plain. Some letters in “LIBERTY” visible. F-12 Fine- Clear “LIBERTY”. Ear and shoulder clasp visible. Part of rim visible on both sides. VF-20 Very Fine- “LIBERTY” distinct. Full rim. Ear and clasp plain and distinct. EF-40 Extremely Fine- “LIBERTY” sharp. Ear distinct. Hair above eye well defined. AU5-50 About Uncirculated- Traces of lght wear on only the high points of the design. Half of mint luster present. MS-60 Uncirculated- No trace of wear. Light blemishes. MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- Some distracing marks or blemishes in prime focal areas. Impaired luster possible.
