Numismatic

1859-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar Good

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This 1859 half dollar represents a fascinating era of American silver coinage minted just before the outbreak of the Civil War. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this fifty-cent piece carries the distinctive 'O' mint mark, signaling its origin from the historic southern facility. The coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3866 troy ounces of precious metal. The design, created by Christian Gobrecht, showcases Lady Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse. In her hands, she supports a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word Liberty. The reverse side features a majestic eagle perched on an olive branch, clutching three arrows in its talons, with a shield positioned across its chest. Despite its heavily circulated Good condition, the essential elements of this mid-nineteenth-century treasure remain visible, offering a tangible connection to the past.