Numismatic

1861-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar AU

---

The year 1861 marked a pivotal moment in American history, and this silver half dollar from the New Orleans Mint stands as a tangible survivor of that era. Struck with a silver purity of 0.900, this fifty-cent piece contains approximately 0.3599 troy ounces of precious metal (with some historical specifications noting up to 0.3866 troy ounces). It represents a classic era of United States coinage, displaying the artistry of Christian Gobrecht. On the obverse side, the design features Lady Liberty seated upon a rock. In her hands, she holds a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The year 1861 is clearly visible beneath her feet. This imagery of quiet strength is paired on the reverse with a powerful eagle. The bird is depicted perched on an olive branch while clutching three arrows in its talons, its chest protected by a shield. This particular coin features the 'O' mint mark on the reverse, indicating it was produced at the historic New Orleans facility. Preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, the coin retains much of its original detail, allowing modern observers to appreciate the fine lines of Gobrecht's engraving and the historic artistry of nineteenth-century American coinage.