The US 1834 Half Cent, designed by John Reich, featured Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. Struck in 100% copper, it reflected the nation’s continued reliance on copper for smaller denominations. In 1834, the U.S. economy was recovering after the Panic of 1837, and the Half Cent played a key role in daily commerce, especially for smaller transactions.
Politically, the US 1834 Half Cent was minted during Andrew Jackson’s presidency, a period marked by debates over the Bank of the United States and monetary policy. The copper composition and design of the coin symbolized both American independence and the countrys political and economic shifts during this turbulent time.