Numismatic

1856 Liberty Seated Half Dime Good

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In the decade preceding the American Civil War, the United States Mint produced a tiny silver denomination that carried a powerful artistic message. The 1856 half dime, struck in 90 percent pure silver, represents a fascinating era of American coinage. Despite its diminutive size, containing just 0.0359 ounces of actual silver, the coin showcases an intricate and elegant design created by Christian Gobrecht. The front of this five cent coin features Liberty in a seated position. She holds a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand, while her other hand rests on a shield, symbolizing both freedom and readiness to defend it. The year 1856 is clearly visible beneath this iconic figure. On the reverse side, a delicate wreath wraps around the center of the coin, framing the words that state its face value. This particular specimen survived decades of circulation, showing the honest wear of a coin that passed through many hands during a transformative period in American history.