How on earth did the apply letters to the edge back in the early 1800"s? Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Castaing machine. Like so (machine owned by ANA, image from Wikipedia): Circled in red is the stationary die, circled in blue is the sliding die. The facing (thin) edges of each are inscribed with the lettering to be imparted to the planchet. They have slightly ramped edges to help initially guide the coin between them. The coin is placed between the two dies, which are adjusted to be just_about_ready to interact. The rack is operated, dragging the coin between the two dies, and the lettering is thus forced onto the rim. The coin is then struck.
I know they made different varieties large letters, small letters, large and small dates... not really sure what variety I have here....The lettered edge has FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR
