1858 Liberty Seated Half Dollar AU

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In the years preceding the American Civil War, the Philadelphia Mint produced this silver half dollar, a denomination that served as a workhorse of domestic commerce. Struck in 90 percent silver, this coin represents the enduring Liberty Seated design era, a period that defined the aesthetic of United States coinage for over half a century. The obverse features a seated figure of Liberty, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Below her feet is the year 1858. This classic composition was created by Christian Gobrecht, whose work brought a neoclassical elegance to the nation's circulating currency. On the reverse, a powerful eagle is depicted perched on an olive branch, grasping a trio of arrows in its talons. A shield is positioned across the eagle's chest, mirroring the shield on the obverse. The legend surrounding the eagle denotes the country of origin, while the denomination is abbreviated at the bottom as HALF DOL.