Numismatic

1856-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar Good

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Struck in 90 percent pure silver at the New Orleans Mint, this 1856 half dollar represents a classic mid nineteenth century American design. The coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver and carries a face value of 50 cents. It is a tangible survivor from the pre 1933 era of United States coinage, showing honest wear that places it in Good condition. The obverse side displays the classic Liberty Seated motif, where the personification of Liberty rests on a rock. She holds a staff topped by a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand supports a shield. This elegant depiction was created by Christian Gobrecht. On the reverse, Gobrecht's design features an eagle with a shield draped across its chest. The bird is shown clutching a trio of arrows and an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing both strength and peace. The surrounding inscription reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOL., indicating its origin and denomination. A total of 2,658,000 of these half dollars were minted in New Orleans in 1856, making each surviving specimen a fascinating object of study.