Numismatic

1855-O Liberty Seated Half Dime VF

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Struck in 90% silver, this 1855 half dime represents a fascinating era of early United States fractional currency. Minted in New Orleans, the coin displays the distinctive 'O' mint mark on its reverse, indicating its origin from the southern branch mint. Despite its small size, the coin contains approximately 0.0358 to 0.0387 troy ounces of silver, serving as a vital workhorse denomination for daily commerce in the decade preceding the American Civil War. The obverse features the classic Liberty Seated motif, envisioned by Christian Gobrecht. Liberty is depicted resting on a rock, holding a shield in one hand and a staff topped with a liberty cap in the other. The year 1855 is anchored at the bottom of the design, while the word 'LIBERTY' is clearly inscribed across the shield. On the reverse, a delicate wreath encircles the central denomination, which reads 'HALF DIME'. This elegant combination of a protective wreath and bold central lettering showcases the detailed artistry achievable on mid-nineteenth-century coinage, even on a canvas of such modest physical proportions.