One (1) 2 1/2 dollar coin, proof
United States, 1834
Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty head wearing cap surrounded by 13 stars along coin edge.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1834
Reverse Image: Eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield on chest. Scroll above eagle.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / 2 1/2 D.
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing left, stars around, date below. Reverse: Eagle, motto above, denomination below.
Four proof specimens including this coin are known to exist. A fifth proof is rumored to exist. Some 1834 proof coins were created for presentation to foreign dignitaries. The most famous example of a presentation coin for diplomatic purposes was the so-called "King of Coins" among the 1804 Silver Dollars. Silver dollars dated 1804 were simply not issued for circulation. Silver dollars with that date were produced during the 1830's and 1850's for various purposes.
If nothing else, the minting of special coins for presentation abroad suggests that, after years of isolation, the United States was now beginning to take its place in the family of nations. U.S. Coins struck with special care as well as Peace Medals were excellent tokens of friendship.
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