Numismatic

1856-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar VF (Details)

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Struck at the historic New Orleans Mint, this 1856 silver half dollar carries a face value of 50 cents and is composed of 0.3599 troy ounces of actual silver content. With a total mintage of 2,658,000, this coin represents a fascinating era of American mid-nineteenth-century silver coinage. It is preserved in Very Fine condition, showing pleasing detail from its time in circulation. The obverse features the classic Liberty Seated motif, envisioned by Christian Gobrecht. Liberty sits gracefully, holding a pole topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The year 1856 is clearly anchored below her feet. On the reverse, a detailed eagle is depicted with a shield across its chest. The bird is perched upon an olive branch while clutching three arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and readiness. The surrounding inscription displays the denomination, HALF DOL., and identifies the issuing nation as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the O mint mark indicating its origin in New Orleans.