Numismatic

1849 Liberty Seated Half Dollar XF

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In 1849, the Philadelphia Mint produced over two million silver half dollars featuring one of the most enduring motifs in American numismatic history. This fifty cent piece, struck in 90 percent silver, carries a total of 0.3868 troy ounces of the precious metal. It represents a fascinating era of mid nineteenth century coinage, displaying the meticulous craftsmanship of the period in an Extra Fine state of preservation. The obverse side of the coin displays Lady Liberty seated on a rock. In her left hand, she supports a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her right hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Below this central figure, the year 1849 is clearly struck. This elegant composition was created by the noted artist Christian Gobrecht. On the reverse, a powerful eagle is depicted with a shield across its chest, perched upon an olive branch while clutching three arrows in its talons. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches over the eagle, while the denomination HALF DOL. is positioned along the bottom rim.