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The Bust Half Dollar of 1811, particularly the variant with a small 8, is a noteworthy example of early 19th-century American coinage. This coin reflects both the artistic design preferences and the minting practices of its time, making it a valuable piece for collectors and historians. As part of the Bust series, the 1811 Half Dollar captures a significant moment in U.S. numismatic history, providing insights into the evolving aesthetics and technical details of American currency.
The design of the 1811 Bust Half Dollar was created by John Reich, who was influential in shaping U.S. coinage during the early 19th century. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap that symbolizes freedom. This design is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date “1811” is placed below Liberty’s bust. The term “small 8” refers to the smaller size of the numeral “8” in the date compared to other years, a subtle but distinct feature of this particular issue. The reverse side of the coin showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows. The eagle is surrounded by a ribbon bearing the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” are positioned around it. The design reflects the neoclassical style popular at the time, emphasizing both artistic elegance and symbolic representation.
The 1811 Bust Half Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary facility for U.S. coin production during this period. The Philadelphia Mint was instrumental in producing and distributing American currency, playing a central role in the early monetary system of the United States. The mintage of the 1811 Bust Half Dollar with the small 8 was approximately 295,000 coins. This production volume indicates that the coin was widely circulated and used in everyday transactions, making it an important component of the early American economy. The relatively large mintage also reflects the coin’s role in meeting the monetary needs of the growing nation. The production of this coin at the Philadelphia Mint underscores the significance of the facility in shaping the U.S. monetary system during the early 19th century.
In terms of condition, a Fine (F) grade for the 1811 Bust Half Dollar indicates that the coin shows moderate wear while retaining most of its essential design elements. In Fine condition, the coin will exhibit wear on the high points, with Liberty’s portrait and the eagle’s features showing signs of flattening. However, the central design elements and inscriptions will remain recognizable and clear. The details of Liberty’s cap, the stars, and the eagle’s feathers will be visible but may be softened due to circulation wear. The date “1811” and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” will be readable, though they may be slightly worn or less defined. The coin’s surface will display signs of circulation wear, such as scratches, small abrasions, and smoothing, but the overall design will still be discernible. Fine examples of the 1811 Bust Half Dollar are valued by collectors for their historical significance and the preservation of key design features despite the wear.
The 1811 Bust Half Dollar with the small 8 is an important piece in the history of U.S. coinage, offering valuable insights into the artistic and technical standards of the early 19th century. The coin’s design, minting history, and condition all contribute to its importance and appeal. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint and a continuation of John Reich’s design legacy, the 1811 Bust Half Dollar represents a key moment in the evolution of American coinage. Collectors and historians appreciate this coin for its historical context, its role in the development of U.S. numismatics, and its representation of the artistic and symbolic values of the early 19th century. Despite its wear, the 1811 Bust Half Dollar remains a cherished item for those who value the rich heritage of American numismatics and the nuances of its historical development.