Numismatic

1858-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar XF

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In the years preceding the American Civil War, the New Orleans Mint produced this silver half dollar, a fifty cent piece struck with 0.3575 troy ounces of 90 percent pure silver. This particular coin survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the detailed artistry of a bygone era of American coinage. The obverse displays the classic Liberty Seated motif, a celebrated creation of Christian Gobrecht. Liberty is shown resting on a rock, her hand supporting a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests upon a shield. The word LIBERTY is inscribed across the shield, with the year 1858 placed below the figure. On the reverse, an eagle is depicted with a shield across its chest, grasping three arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the bird, with the denomination HALF DOL. positioned at the bottom. This design represents a fascinating chapter in mid nineteenth century United States minting history.