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The Certified Bust Half Dollar 1817 EF40 Details 0-112a Cleaned ICG is a remarkable example of early American coinage from a pivotal time in the nation's economic and political development. The Bust Half Dollar series, minted from 1807 to 1839, represents a crucial period in U.S. numismatics, reflecting the young nation's need for reliable and widely circulating silver coinage. The 1817 issue was struck during the presidency of James Monroe, at a time when the United States was expanding westward, stabilizing its financial system, and establishing a stronger presence in international trade.
The Bust Half Dollar was designed by John Reich, a German-born engraver who was brought to the U.S. Mint to improve the artistic quality of American coinage. His design was introduced in 1807, replacing the Draped Bust Half Dollar, and featured a more naturalistic and neoclassical interpretation of Liberty. The Bust Half Dollar was the most widely circulated silver denomination in the early 19th century, making it an essential part of the national economy. The 1817 issue is part of this long-running series and remains highly collectible due to its historical significance and intricate design.
The obverse of the 1817 Bust Half Dollar features the bust of Liberty facing left, adorned with a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom and republican values. Her hair flows freely beneath the cap, giving the portrait a classical and elegant appearance. Above Liberty’s head, the word "LIBERTY" is prominently inscribed, reinforcing the coin’s theme of national independence. Thirteen six-pointed stars surround Liberty, representing the original thirteen American colonies. The date "1817" is placed at the bottom of the design, clearly identifying the year of mintage. The obverse design exemplifies the skill of early U.S. Mint engravers and remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing depictions of Liberty in American numismatics.
The reverse of the coin features a striking image of an American bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. This powerful imagery symbolizes the nation’s readiness to defend itself while also expressing a preference for peace. A banner inscribed with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" flows above the eagle, representing the unity of the states within the young Republic. Surrounding the eagle is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," emphasizing the coin’s national identity. Below the eagle, the denomination "50 C." is displayed, denoting the coin’s value of fifty cents. The reverse design effectively communicates the strength and resilience of the United States during its early years.
The 1817 Bust Half Dollar was struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, a standard composition for early American silver coinage. This alloy provided the coin with the necessary durability for circulation while maintaining its intrinsic value. Silver half dollars were a crucial part of the economy during this period, as they were commonly used in commerce, banking transactions, and international trade. The coin’s substantial silver content made it a trusted and valuable medium of exchange, reinforcing confidence in the stability of the U.S. monetary system.
The mintage of the 1817 Bust Half Dollar totaled approximately 1,215,567 pieces. While this was a significant production number for the time, many of these coins saw extensive circulation, leading to widespread wear and the eventual loss of many specimens. As a result, surviving examples in higher grades are relatively scarce, and well-preserved coins are highly sought after by collectors. The 1817 Bust Half Dollar exists in multiple die varieties, with the O-112a designation referring to a specific die pairing used in the striking process.
The Certified 1817 Bust Half Dollar EF40 Details 0-112a Cleaned ICG is a coin that has been graded by Independent Coin Graders (ICG) as having "Extremely Fine" (EF40) details but also noted as having been cleaned. Coins graded EF40 exhibit moderate wear on the highest points of the design but still retain significant detail and strong eye appeal. While some loss of sharpness is evident in the hair and feathers, the overall design remains well-defined and easily recognizable. The "cleaned" designation indicates that the coin has been subjected to some form of surface cleaning, which may have altered its natural patina but does not necessarily detract from its historical value.
The obverse of an EF40 specimen should display noticeable yet even wear on Liberty’s portrait, with the cap, hair, and facial features retaining much of their original detail. The stars surrounding Liberty should remain well-defined, though some high points may show signs of wear. The date should be bold and fully legible, with no significant fading or distortion. While light friction may be present on the coin’s fields, the overall appearance should still be visually appealing, with no major damage or excessive smoothing.
The reverse of an EF40 specimen should feature a well-preserved eagle, with clear details in the feathers, wings, and talons. The olive branch and arrows should remain distinct, with minimal loss of definition. The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" should be fully legible, and the surrounding inscriptions should show minimal wear. The denomination "50 C." should be strong and readable, with no signs of excessive wear. The fields may exhibit some surface contact marks, but the overall strike should remain solid.
One of the key characteristics of an EF40 specimen is its ability to retain much of its original design while showing only moderate wear. Unlike lower-graded examples, which may have more significant loss of detail, an EF40 Bust Half Dollar still presents a strong visual impact. The surfaces of an EF40 coin should be relatively smooth, with no excessive pitting, corrosion, or damage. While cleaned coins may lack the original patina that naturally develops over time, they can still be attractive and desirable to collectors who appreciate well-preserved historical coinage.
The Certified 1817 Bust Half Dollar EF40 Details 0-112a Cleaned ICG remains an important numismatic artifact, reflecting the artistry, craftsmanship, and economic conditions of early 19th-century America. As a circulating silver coin from the era, it played a key role in everyday commerce and stands as a tangible link to the past. Collectors who appreciate early U.S. coinage recognize the value of acquiring well-preserved Bust Half Dollars, even those with minor cleaning, as they still offer historical significance and numismatic appeal.
For collectors interested in acquiring a Certified 1817 Bust Half Dollar EF40 Details 0-112a Cleaned ICG, reputable numismatic dealers, online auctions, and specialized coin retailers provide the best opportunities. Given the coin’s historical importance and limited availability in high grades, ensuring proper authentication through a reputable grading service like ICG is essential. Collectors should seek examples with strong visual appeal, well-defined design elements, and minimal signs of excessive wear or damage.
The Certified Bust Half Dollar 1817 EF40 Details 0-112a Cleaned ICG stands as a testament to the rich history of early American coinage. With its striking design, historical context, and solid preservation, this coin continues to be a prized addition to numismatic collections. Whether appreciated for its artistic beauty, its role in U.S. history, or its investment potential, the 1817 Bust Half Dollar remains an enduring symbol of the craftsmanship and legacy of early American minting.