2 1/2 Dollars, United States, 1834

Description (Brief):

One (1) 2 1/2 dollar coin, proof

Description (Brief)

United States, 1834

Description (Brief)

Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty head wearing cap surrounded by 13 stars along coin edge.

Description (Brief)

Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1834

Description (Brief)

Reverse Image: Eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield on chest. Scroll above eagle.

Description (Brief)

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.

Date Made: 1834

Mint: U.S. Mint, PhiladelphiaDesigner: Reich, John

Location: Currently not on view

Place Of Issue: United States

See more items in: Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection, Coins, Currency and Medals

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Web Publication: http://americanhistory.si.edu/coins/glossary.cfm

Related Publication: Glossary of Coins and Currency Terms

Credit Line: U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1985.0441.0260Catalog Number: 1985.0441.0260Accession Number: 1985.0441

Object Name: coin

Physical Description: gold (overall metal)0 (overall die axis)0 (overall die axis measurement)struck (overall production method)Measurements: overall: .1 cm x 1.85 mm; 1/32 in x 1/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-2b44-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1077337

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