-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56533
Checkout
The 1836 Bust Half Dime with Large 5 is a small yet compelling artifact of early American coinage, representing the culmination of the Capped Bust design era for this denomination. Issued during the Jacksonian period—a time of expanding frontiers, booming commerce, and evolving monetary systems—this coin stands as a testament to the artistry and utilitarian purpose of United States coinage in the early 19th century. Though diminutive in size, the half dime held an essential role in daily commerce, and its legacy continues to captivate numismatists today. The 1836 issue is particularly interesting for its known varieties, including the "Large 5" in the denomination, which distinguishes it from its "Small 5" counterpart.
The Capped Bust Half Dime series, which ran from 1829 through 1837, was designed by Chief Engraver William Kneass. The introduction of the Capped Bust style marked a significant aesthetic improvement over the earlier Draped Bust designs, with a more refined Liberty portrait and greater engraving sophistication. The obverse of the 1836 half dime features a bust of Liberty facing left, adorned with a Phrygian cap, commonly referred to as the “cap of freedom.” This symbol, rooted in Roman iconography, was emblematic of liberty and personal rights. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the headband, though in Very Good (VG) condition, it is typically faint or nearly worn away. Surrounding Liberty are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1836” located below.
The reverse design presents an eagle with wings spread wide, a shield on its chest, an olive branch in one claw, and arrows in the other—symbols of peace and military readiness. The eagle motif is traditional, drawing inspiration from heraldic imagery used throughout U.S. coinage. Encircling the eagle is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and below the eagle is the denomination “5 C.”—the detail that gives rise to the “Large 5” variety. On this specific variety, the numeral 5 is visibly larger than on the Small 5 counterpart, and the larger font creates an easy distinction for collectors. In VG condition, much of the feather detail is worn smooth, though the shape of the eagle, shield outline, and legends are still legible, preserving the coin’s identity and appeal.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1836 Bust Half Dime does not bear a mintmark, as was standard practice at the time. The total mintage for 1836 half dimes was 1,230,000 pieces, a modest figure by modern standards but sufficient to ensure some survival in all grades today. While the mintage figure includes both Large 5 and Small 5 varieties, the exact breakdown between them remains unknown, although the Large 5 is generally considered more common. The absence of significant rarities or major varieties beyond the size of the denomination numeral makes the 1836 Large 5 an accessible and popular entry for collectors pursuing a representative type or date set.
The coin was struck in .8924 fine silver and weighed just 1.35 grams, with a diameter of 15.5 millimeters. These small specifications contributed to the coin’s vulnerability to wear, damage, and loss over time. As a result, surviving examples in high grades are relatively scarce and command significant premiums, while those in circulated condition—such as this VG example—remain highly collectible for their historical resonance and affordability. In this grade, the coin exhibits moderate wear throughout, with flattened devices but still visible date and design outlines. The rims are typically full or mostly intact, though some merging with the peripheral lettering may occur.
Coins like the 1836 Large 5 were produced using manually operated screw presses, which often resulted in striking inconsistencies. These minor irregularities, such as off-center strikes or weak areas in the fields, are not considered defects by modern collectors but are instead appreciated as evidence of 19th-century minting techniques. The planchets were individually fed, and the die pressure varied with each strike. Thus, each coin exhibits subtle differences in sharpness and relief, adding to their numismatic charm. Even in lower grades like VG, the unique character of each coin is preserved through such quirks and historical context.
The broader significance of the 1836 issue lies in its placement within a changing numismatic landscape. In the years following this coin's release, the Mint would move toward a more uniform decimal coinage system and phase out the half dime in favor of the nickel by the mid-19th century. The half dime served as an important denomination for decades, allowing for small-scale transactions before the widespread adoption of paper currency or bank-issued fractional notes. Its role in the economy made it indispensable during its time, especially in regions where larger coins were impractical for daily use.
The 1836 Bust Half Dime with the Large 5 also marks a near end to the Capped Bust design, which would be replaced shortly by Christian Gobrecht’s Seated Liberty motif beginning in 1837. As such, this coin represents one of the final chapters in a storied and elegant series. Collectors often seek examples like the 1836 Large 5 to complete a progression of early American silver coinage or to enhance a type set focused on 19th-century issues. Its compact form belies its historical weight, as it circulated in the pockets of Americans navigating a nation on the cusp of industrial expansion and democratic experimentation.
In the context of condition, this Very Good specimen offers collectors a solid balance between affordability and historical integrity. While the coin shows expected wear, all key design elements are discernible, and the date and denomination are legible. The appeal of VG coins lies not in their pristine detail but in their authenticity and survival. Such coins have endured nearly two centuries of circulation, trade, and preservation. Their value lies not just in silver content but in the journey each coin has taken through American hands and history.
Overall, the 1836 Bust Half Dime Large 5 VG is a treasured artifact of a formative era in U.S. coinage. It is appreciated not only for its elegant design and mechanical simplicity but also for its role in everyday commerce during the Jacksonian age. Whether pursued as part of a larger collection or cherished as a standalone piece, this coin offers both aesthetic and historical richness, making it a timeless addition to any numismatic cabinet.