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Olevian Numismatic Rarities

1835 Capped Bust Half Dime PCGS Certified AU55

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Product Description

The Capped Bust design appeared on United States half dimes, dimes, quarters, and half dollars from 1807 to 1839. It was first conceived by John Reich, a German immigrant who accepted the position of U.S. Mint Assistant Engraver at the recommendation of Thomas Jefferson in 1807. His first task was to redesign the circulating coinage of Chief Engraver Robert Scot.

The obverse of the Capped Bust coins features Liberty, facing left, wearing a headband with the inscription LIBERTY, as well as a Phrygian Cap. The latter was originally worn by emancipated slaves of ancient Rome and was a popular symbol of freedom during the American Revolutionary War. Thirteen stars surround the bust, representing the original states in the Union. The reverse features an American Bald Eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch and bundle of arrows in its talons. A scroll above the eagle includes the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The denomination appears at the bottom, which had not been consistently employed on earlier designs of U.S. coinage. William Kneass later modified Reich’s design in 1829.

At a time when all coins valued above one cent were minted in silver or gold, the U.S. 5-cent coin was commonly referred to as the half dime, since “nickels” had not yet become a reality. Capped Bust half dimes were first struck on the morning of July 4th, 1829 to be included in the cornerstone time capsule of the new Philadelphia Mint building and for distribution as inexpensive souvenirs. These popular and practical coins remained in production for many years until 1873, albeit with numerous design modifications. This 1835 small date, large “5C” variety in AU55 condition is a particularly scarce issue, with approximately 50 specimens ever certified to be finer by PCGS. This rare coin is being offered at a special rate exclusively for Touch of Modern clients.

Product Details
  • Measurements
    4.5"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"H
  • OriginUnited States

— Capped Bust Half Dime (1829-1837)
— Designer: William Kneass
— Weight: 1.35 grams
— Diameter: 15.9 mm
— Composition: 0.8924 Silver, 0.1076 Copper
— Net Silver Weight: 0.0386 oz Pure Silver
— Obverse Design: Liberty, Facing Left, With Headband & Phrygian Cap / 13 Stars
— Obverse Inscription: LIBERTY / DATE
— Reverse Design: Eagle With Outstretched Wings & Shield, Bearing Olive Branches & Arrows In Talons / Scroll
— Reverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / 5 C.

— Ships In Luxurious Matte Black Wood Box Lined In Velvet With A Certificate Of Authenticity

A Note About Coin Grading & Certification:
This is a certified coin and its quality and authenticity are guaranteed. The condition of a coin is officially graded on a 70-point scale according to standards set forth by the American Numismatic Association. Grades under 60 represent circulated grades, while grades from 60 through 70 represent uncirculated, or “mint-state” grades. Very few, if any, older coins are known to exist in perfect MS70 grade. Analogous to GIA certification for diamonds, independent expert certification services examine coins, certify authenticity, assign consensus grades, and encapsulate them in a sonically sealed, hard plastic holder with grade and unique serial number displayed. The two leading firms, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), have become widely recognized for their objective grading practices and high industry standards. They continue to provide reliable consumer protection for rare coin collectors and investors and preserve the integrity of the rare coin industry. A third company, Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), also provides secondary verification of previously certified coins. A green oval sticker is applied to those specimens CAC believes meet their strict standards of quality for the certified grade. The coin offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more of these leading services so you can be confident in its authenticity and stated condition.

Shipping Information
  • Shipping Availability
    Canada, United States
  • Shipping Policy
    Discounted Shipping
  • Discounted Shipping
    $15.00 first item / $15.00 each additional
  • Ship In
    3-4 weeks
  • Return Policy
    Final sale, not eligible for return or cancellation

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