-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56285
Checkout
The Certified Bust Half Dime 1834 MS62 NGC is a remarkable survivor from the early era of United States coinage, representing one of the final issues of the Capped Bust half dime series. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint and graded Mint State 62 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin exhibits full uncirculated surfaces with original luster, moderate contact marks, and overall strong eye appeal for the grade. As part of the broader Capped Bust design family developed by Chief Engraver William Kneass, the 1834 half dime occupies a pivotal place in numismatic history, bridging early federal coinage and the transition toward more refined 19th-century designs.
The Capped Bust half dime series was introduced in 1829 and continued through 1837. It replaced the earlier Draped Bust design and introduced a more compact, refined appearance using the new “close collar” minting technology that allowed for uniform diameter and edge reeding. The 1834 issue is part of this short but significant series and is notable for being among the better-produced dates, with strong strikes and relatively plentiful examples surviving in higher grades. However, Mint State specimens remain scarce compared to circulated counterparts, and certification by NGC ensures the authenticity and quality of this particular piece.
The obverse of the coin features the Capped Bust portrait of Liberty facing left. She wears a cloth cap inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” and her hair flows down over her shoulder in carefully defined curls. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, representing the original states of the Union, and the date “1834” is located beneath the bust. In MS62 condition, the central portrait is well struck, with visible detail in the curls, cap, and facial features. The stars are well-formed, and the fields display full mint luster with scattered small abrasions and contact marks typical of the grade. The rims are complete, and the surfaces have avoided cleaning or harsh treatment, preserving the coin’s originality.
The reverse design is simple yet elegant, featuring a perched heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. The eagle holds three arrows in its left claw and an olive branch in its right, symbolizing readiness for war and a preference for peace. A scroll above the eagle bears the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The denomination “5 C.” appears below the eagle, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounding the upper rim. On this MS62 example, the eagle’s feathers, talons, and shield lines are well defined, though minor softness may be noted in the highest relief areas. The reverse fields show minimal friction, and any minor marks are balanced by the coin’s vibrant luster and appealing patina.
The 1834 half dime was struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, standard for U.S. silver coinage of the period. It measures 15.5 mm in diameter and features a reeded edge. The total reported mintage for the year was 1,480,000 coins, a healthy figure that allows collectors to obtain examples across a range of grades. However, only a small fraction of those coins remain in Mint State today, making this certified MS62 specimen both desirable and relatively scarce. It provides an excellent opportunity to acquire a classic early American silver coin that retains its full design integrity and original surfaces.
The Capped Bust design for the half dime was the work of William Kneass, who adapted it from John Reich’s earlier Capped Bust motifs used on larger denominations. The series is known for its bold, high-relief portraits and compact size. As one of the final issues before the Seated Liberty design was introduced in 1837, the 1834 half dime represents the conclusion of an important artistic and technical chapter in U.S. Mint history. Its style reflects the federal mint’s evolving capabilities and the influence of neoclassical aesthetics popular in early 19th-century America.
This MS62 example, certified by NGC, is securely housed in a tamper-evident holder that guarantees both authenticity and grade. NGC’s certification adds significant value, especially for coins in this grade range, where surface preservation, originality, and strike quality vary widely. MS62 is considered the entry point to full Mint State and reflects a coin that retains its luster and sharpness while allowing for a few contact marks or hairline abrasions. For type collectors and early silver enthusiasts, it represents an ideal balance of quality, eye appeal, and affordability compared to higher Mint State grades.
The coin’s surfaces may range from frosty silver to pale golden or soft blue-gray toning, depending on its storage history. Such natural toning is often seen as desirable, indicating long-term, stable preservation. Collectors favor coins like this for both their aesthetic appeal and historical depth, and MS62 pieces are particularly appreciated for offering high-grade attributes without entering the significantly higher price tiers of MS64 or MS65 examples.
As a one-year type example or as part of a complete Capped Bust half dime date set, the 1834 MS62 holds a special place. It serves as a tangible link to the pre-industrial United States, a time of rapid territorial expansion, economic growth, and national identity formation. Circulating widely in early American commerce, coins like this played a role in everyday transactions and trade at a time when small silver was an essential component of daily life.
The Certified Bust Half Dime 1834 MS62 NGC is an elegant, high-quality representation of early U.S. silver coinage. Its strong strike, original surfaces, and appealing Mint State grade make it a standout example from a transitional and artistic period in American numismatics. For collectors seeking a beautiful, historically significant coin with long-term desirability, this 1834 half dime offers both visual satisfaction and collectible value in one enduring silver artifact.