Numismatic

1845 Liberty Seated Half Dime Good

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In the decade before the American Civil War, the United States Mint produced a diminutive silver coin that carried immense daily utility: the half dime. Struck in 1845 at the Philadelphia Mint, this five-cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0387 troy ounces of the precious metal. Despite its small physical size, the coin serves as a wonderful canvas for the artistry of the era. The front of the coin showcases Liberty in a seated position. In her hands, she supports a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests upon a shield, symbolizing protection and freedom. The year 1845 is anchored at the bottom of the design. This imagery was created by Christian Gobrecht, whose work defined mid-nineteenth-century American coinage. On the reverse, the coin features a delicate wreath that encircles the face value. The surrounding inscription reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" while the central denomination is written as "HALF DIME". This particular coin survives in Good condition, showing the honest wear of a piece that actively circulated through the pockets of early Americans.