Numismatic

1861 Liberty Seated Half Dollar Good

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This silver half dollar from 1861 offers a fascinating window into mid nineteenth century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3866 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a significant era in the nation's history, produced in a year of immense national transition. The obverse features the celebrated design by Christian Gobrecht, depicting Liberty in a seated position. She holds a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests upon a shield, symbolizing protection and freedom. The year 1861 is clearly inscribed below this central figure. On the reverse, a powerful eagle is depicted with a shield across its chest. The bird is perched upon a branch while grasping three arrows in its talons. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions indicating the issuing nation, the United States of America, and the denomination, which is abbreviated as half dollar. With a total mintage of 2,888,400 pieces, this coin remains a captivating artifact of early American numismatic artistry.