-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 23357
Checkout
The 1829 Bust Half Dime in Very Good condition is a captivating artifact from the early 19th century, reflecting the maturing United States Mint and the evolving identity of the American republic. As part of the Capped Bust series, which ran from 1829 to 1837 for the half dime denomination, the 1829 issue marks a significant turning point in the denomination’s production. It was the first year of the new “Reduced Size” type, created under Chief Engraver William Kneass’s direction. These coins were smaller in diameter and struck with updated coining equipment, a reflection of both technological advancements and changes in public preferences regarding coin size and appearance. The 1829 issue is especially important as it began this new format for the smallest silver coin in circulation at the time.
The half dime was one of the earliest denominations authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792 and played a vital role in daily commerce in a nation where even pennies held purchasing power. The half dime’s modest silver content and convenient size made it popular for small transactions during the country’s formative years. By 1829, America had expanded considerably, and the need for reliable coinage was more pressing than ever. The Mint responded by introducing a streamlined design with a more compact flan and an improved striking process using a close collar. This innovation not only standardized the coin’s diameter but also provided a raised rim, which better protected the design and slowed wear in circulation—an improvement that is still appreciated by collectors today.
The obverse of the 1829 Capped Bust Half Dime features the image of Liberty facing left, wearing a soft cap, also known as a “Phrygian” or “freedom cap,” inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is curled in thick ringlets, draping over her shoulder and behind her neck, and her bust is clothed in classical drapery. Encircling her are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1829” neatly placed at the bottom center. In Very Good condition, most of the central portrait is worn smooth, particularly in the cap and facial features, though the silhouette of Liberty remains recognizable. The date is clearly visible, and several of the stars are still distinct, especially those positioned furthest from the highest points of the design. The obverse’s remaining detail tells the story of its long use in everyday commerce.
The reverse design presents an elegant heraldic eagle, a motif steeped in national symbolism. The eagle faces left, its wings spread, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left, symbolizing the balance between peace and military readiness. A shield covers the eagle’s breast, while the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs around the top periphery. The denomination “5 C.” is placed at the bottom, just beneath the eagle’s tail. This was the last U.S. coin to use the “5 C.” abbreviation for half dime before it was changed to “HALF DIME” on later issues. On a Very Good example, most of the intricate details of the feathers and shield have worn away, but the eagle's outline and the positioning of its wings, arrows, and olive branch remain discernible. The lettering on the periphery is legible, though somewhat softened from circulation.
The 1829 Bust Half Dime was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the nation’s sole minting facility at the time. A total of 1,230,000 half dimes were struck in 1829, a healthy mintage by the standards of early silver coinage. Despite this, many were heavily circulated or lost to time, making well-preserved survivors especially desirable. The introduction of the close collar technique made coins of this date noticeably more uniform in appearance compared to earlier types, and it represents a technical milestone in Mint production. Because of their relatively small size and silver content, half dimes were often hoarded, melted, or simply spent to the point of indistinctness. The 1829 issue is among the more available dates in the series, yet attractive mid-grade pieces still carry strong demand due to the date’s significance and the quality of engraving.
The Capped Bust Half Dime series is a favorite among collectors for its classic design, manageable size, and rich historical context. The 1829 issue, in particular, is a must-have for those assembling type sets, as it represents the introduction of the reduced diameter style and the transition to modern striking methods. It also holds appeal for those interested in the post-War of 1812 economy, the expansion of domestic silver mining, and the practical needs of American commerce during the Jacksonian era. Though not struck with the artistic flourish of later Liberty Seated or Barber coinage, the Capped Bust design has a timeless neoclassical charm, lending it both dignity and simplicity.
In Very Good condition, an 1829 Bust Half Dime retains the essential features necessary for attribution and historic appreciation. While the coin has seen significant wear from circulation, its overall shape remains consistent, and its rim is intact, though softened. The devices—Liberty on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse—are worn but not erased, giving the coin a pleasingly honest appearance. Toning is often seen on circulated examples, typically manifesting as soft gray or gunmetal hues, occasionally with darker highlights in recessed areas. This natural aging adds character and can enhance the visual interest of the piece, especially when free of corrosion or harsh cleaning.
Coins of this era were frequently struck with inconsistent pressure and planchet quality, resulting in examples that may show weakness even when freshly minted. Collectors of early U.S. coinage understand that coins like the 1829 half dime were handmade to a degree, with each die individually engraved and subject to wear or recutting. Such die varieties are cataloged extensively in numismatic literature and add a layer of fascination to even modestly worn specimens. A Very Good example may not reveal these finer points, but it still offers an accessible and rewarding entry into the study of early American mint practices and the artistry of William Kneass’s engraving work.
The 1829 Bust Half Dime in Very Good condition offers collectors a tangible connection to a time when American coinage was undergoing significant transformation. It tells a story not just through its date and mint, but through the signs of wear it bears—evidence of countless transactions, changing hands in a young and growing nation. As a small silver coin with a big historical footprint, it represents both the ingenuity of early U.S. minting and the practical demands of 19th-century commerce. For those who appreciate historical authenticity and the charm of well-circulated coinage, the 1829 half dime holds enduring value and appeal.