Numismatic

1873 Liberty Seated Half Dime VG

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In the nineteenth century, the United States minted a silver five-cent coin known as the half dime. This 1873 edition, composed of 90 percent silver containing 0.0387 troy ounces of precious metal, showcases the intricate artistry of Christian Gobrecht. Despite its small size, the coin carries a wealth of detail that has survived the passage of time, preserved in a certified Very Good state of preservation. The front of the coin features the classic Liberty Seated motif. Liberty is shown resting on a rock, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand supports a shield. Surrounding her is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the year 1873 anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, a delicate wreath wraps around the center of the coin, framing the words HALF DIME. This elegant combination of allegorical imagery and simple typography offers a fascinating window into early American coin design.