Half Dollar, Coin Type from United States - detailed information

There have been a number of obverse designs during the history of the denomination.

The first design (1794 and 1795) showed a portrait of Miss Liberty with flowing hair, facing right, surrounded by 13 stars representing the first states forming the United States. The inscription above was LIBERTY, and the date of issue was below.

The second design (1797 - 1807) showed the Draped Bust of Miss Liberty within a toothed border. Liberty has flowing hair and is facing right. Around above, the inscription LIBERTY. Around the rim, fifteen stars (eight to the left and seven to the right) representing the 15 states which were then members of the Union. From 1801 this was changed to show 13 stars instead. Below the portrait, the date of issue: [year].

There have been a number of reverse designs during the history of the denomination.

The first design (1794 - 1798) showed a standing eagle surrounded by a wreath, with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. The value and denomination are not on the reverse, but are inscribed on the edge as FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.

The second design, known as the Small Eagle was only issued in 1796 and 1797. The main device on the reverse is an eagle, standing on a rock, with open wings, looking to right. Around the eagle, a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon below. Around, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The rim is denticled (toothed). The value is given as as 1/2 below the eagle; the denomination (dollar) is not spelled out.

The third design, known as the Heraldic Eagle, was issued from 1801 to 1807. At centre, it shows the main part of the obverse (or front) of the Great Seal of the United States, which displays the full achievement of the national coat of arms. The design has the Union Shield at centre. The supporter of the shield is a bald eagle with its wings outstretched; it holds a bundle of seven arrows in its right talon, and an olive branch in its left talon. In its beak, the eagle clutches a scroll with the motto E pluribus unum ("Out of Many, One"). Over its head there appears a "glory" with of clouds and 13 mullets (stars).

The recurring number 13 refers to the 13 original states. The arrows and olive branch together symbolise that the United States has "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war". The eagle has its head turned towards the arrows - unlike later versions where it looks towards the olive branch, to symbolise a preference for peace. Around, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The rim is denticled (toothed).