Numismatic

1862 Liberty Seated Half Dime MS-61 NGC

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States minted a diminutive silver coin that carried a major role in daily commerce. This 1862 half dime represents a fascinating era in American coinage, struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of intense national upheaval. Because it was produced at the main minting facility, it bears no mint mark, leaving its clean design to speak for itself. Crafted from 90 percent silver with a metal content of 0.0358 troy ounces, this specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition. It has been officially graded as Mint State 61 (MS-61), indicating that it retains its original mint luster despite some minor contact marks from its time in storage or transit. The obverse features the classic Liberty Seated design, a staple of American silver currency during this epoch. On the reverse, the denomination is clearly spelled out as HALF DIME, surrounded by a delicate wreath. Out of a total mintage of 1,492,000 pieces, finding an example that remains in uncirculated, mint-state condition offers a rare glimpse into the artistry of civil war era coinage.