Numismatic

1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dime XF

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In 1854, the United States Mint in New Orleans produced a silver half dime that showcases the artistry of Christian Gobrecht. This five-cent coin, struck in 90 percent silver, represents the initial year of issue for this specific design type. Its preservation in Extra Fine condition allows observers to appreciate the fine details that have survived for well over a century. The obverse features the figure of Liberty seated upon a rock. In her hands, she holds a staff topped by a liberty cap, while her other hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The date 1854 is positioned beneath this central figure. On the reverse, a delicate wreath circles the denomination, which is written as HALF DIME. Surrounding this central wreath is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This coin contains approximately 0.0387 troy ounces of pure silver, making it a fascinating artifact of mid-nineteenth-century American coinage.