Numismatic

1861-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar XF

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The 1861 Liberty Seated half dollar represents a remarkable moment in United States coinage, minted at the New Orleans facility during a period of immense national transition. Struck in 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of 0.3575 troy ounces, this fifty-cent piece carries the distinct 'O' mint mark of the historic Louisiana mint. On the obverse, the design features Liberty seated upon a rock, her right hand supporting a shield while her left holds a staff topped by a liberty cap. The year 1861 is inscribed below the figure, and the word 'LIBERTY' is clearly visible across the shield. This classic imagery was created by Christian Gobrecht, capturing the artistic spirit of mid-nineteenth-century American currency. The reverse displays a powerful eagle perched on a branch, grasping three arrows in its talons, with a shield draped across its chest. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the denomination 'HALF DOL.' Preserved in Extra Fine or better condition, this coin offers observers a wonderfully detailed look at the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era.