Numismatic

1857 Liberty Seated Half Dime Fine

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In the decade preceding the American Civil War, the United States Mint produced a diminutive silver coin that carried immense daily utility. The 1857 half dime, struck in 90 percent silver at the Philadelphia Mint, represents a fascinating era of American coinage. This five-cent piece contains approximately 0.0359 troy ounces of pure silver, serving as a testament to the precious metal standards of the pre-1933 era. The obverse of the coin displays a classic allegorical figure: Liberty seated upon a rock. In her hands, she holds a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests upon a shield, symbolizing protection and freedom. The year 1857 is anchored at the bottom of the design. This artwork was created by Christian Gobrecht, whose designs defined an entire generation of American silver currency. On the reverse, the coin features its denomination, expressed as "HALF DIME," encircled by an ornamental wreath. Surrounding this central motif is the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." This particular specimen survives in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated through the pockets and marketplaces of mid-nineteenth-century America.