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The Certified Bust Half Dollar 1825 AU58 NGC is a nearly Mint State example of one of the most iconic and widely collected early American silver coins. Graded About Uncirculated 58 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this piece displays full detail and nearly complete original mint luster, with only the slightest friction on the highest design elements. As part of the Capped Bust half dollar series, which was struck from 1807 to 1836, the 1825 issue represents the strength and precision of early 19th-century U.S. coinage and is especially appreciated for its artistic style, large silver format, and relative availability in collectible grades.
The Capped Bust half dollar was designed by John Reich and modified over the years by Chief Engraver William Kneass. It features a bold and distinctive neoclassical design reflective of the post-Revolutionary and early federal American aesthetic. The coin’s obverse showcases Liberty facing left, her head covered in a soft cap, with flowing curls cascading down to her shoulders. A band inscribed with “LIBERTY” crosses the cap, and thirteen stars arc above her, representing the original states. The date “1825” is prominently displayed below the bust. In AU58 condition, all major design elements remain sharp and crisp, including Liberty’s hair curls, the drapery folds, and the stars. Only the most delicate areas—like the cheek, cap, or upper shoulder—show slight friction, and the coin retains nearly full cartwheel luster.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right—symbols of war and peace. The eagle’s head is turned toward the olive branch, and its wings are outstretched. Above the eagle is a scroll bearing the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and encircling the design is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” with the denomination “50 C.” below. The design is bold and symmetrical, with many fine details such as the shield lines, feather texture, and claws fully struck. In AU58 grade, these features are nearly Mint State, with brilliant luster and only trace friction on the eagle’s breast or wing tips.
The 1825 half dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as were all Bust half dollars of this era, since no branch mints existed until the late 1830s. The recorded mintage for the year was 2,943,166 coins, a healthy number by early 19th-century standards. However, Bust halves circulated extensively and were used in commerce for decades, particularly in an era when silver was an important part of the monetary system. As a result, most surviving examples exhibit moderate to heavy wear. AU58 examples like this one are far scarcer and offer collectors a coin with near-Mint appeal but at a lower price point than Mint State counterparts.
The 1825 Bust half dollar is known for its variety-rich die marriages, cataloged extensively by Overton numbers. Each year in the series typically includes multiple obverse and reverse die combinations, and the 1825 issue has more than a dozen recognized varieties. While this NGC-certified piece may not display its Overton variety on the label, many collectors pursue these distinctions through detailed die studies of star placement, date spacing, and letter alignment. Even without attribution, an AU58 example is a desirable, high-grade representative of the date and series.
The coin is composed of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, weighs approximately 13.48 grams, and measures 32.5 mm in diameter. Its large size and silver content give it significant visual and physical presence, and it remains one of the most impressive silver coins struck during the early 19th century. The edge of the coin features a reeded and lettered design that reads “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR,” further adding to its numismatic appeal. Many examples in lower grades show worn or partially missing edge lettering, but a well-preserved AU58 piece typically retains much of this detail.
NGC’s certification provides assurance of authenticity, proper attribution of grade, and protection for long-term preservation. The AU58 designation is often considered the "best value grade" by collectors, offering all the visual appeal of a Mint State coin with only faint, almost imperceptible signs of wear. Collectors often refer to AU58 examples as “sliders,” since they possess the full detail and luster of Mint State coins but fall just short due to a slight rub on the highest points. Many AU58s could pass for low-end MS61 or MS62 coins, making them especially desirable for visually focused collectors.
The 1825 Bust half dollar comes from a period of significant economic and political development in American history. Andrew Jackson was beginning his rise to national prominence, the Erie Canal had just opened, and the country was steadily expanding westward. The coin would have circulated alongside early large cents, silver dollars, and gold coins, serving as a vital part of everyday commerce and reflecting the young nation’s growing monetary infrastructure. Holding a high-grade 1825 half dollar offers a direct connection to this pivotal time in American history.
Collectors of early U.S. type coins, silver specialists, or those building a year-by-year set of Capped Bust halves will find the Certified Bust Half Dollar 1825 AU58 NGC to be an ideal candidate. Its condition places it near the top of available circulated coins, and its nearly Mint State appearance offers a premium visual experience without the cost of fully uncirculated examples. The strong strike, frosty luster, and expert certification make it a secure and visually satisfying choice for any classic U.S. coin collection.
The Certified Bust Half Dollar 1825 AU58 NGC represents the perfect combination of historic significance, aesthetic beauty, and high preservation. It is a lasting testament to the craftsmanship of early American coinage and provides an outstanding window into the nation's formative years. Whether for a type set, a 19th-century silver collection, or as a standalone piece of early U.S. history, this coin is a superior choice for discerning collectors.