- Designed by John Reich and engraved by Christian Gobrecht at the United States Mint in Philadelphia.
- The obverse features a laureated head of Liberty facing right, with the word "LIBERTY" above and the date "1836" below.
- The reverse features a seated Liberty holding a staff and a shield with the US Coat of Arms, surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "HALF DOLLAR," and the mint mark "O" (for the New Orleans Mint).