Numismatic

1875-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar VG

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Struck in the latter half of the nineteenth century, this 1875 half dollar represents a classic era of American silver coinage. Minted in San Francisco, the coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.3575 to 0.3866 troy ounces of the precious metal. It carries the distinctive 'S' mint mark, indicating its origin from the busy West Coast minting facility. The obverse features a graceful depiction of Liberty in a seated position. In her hands, she supports a staff topped with a symbolic liberty cap, while her other hand rests upon a shield. This elegant composition, created by designer Christian Gobrecht, became one of the most recognizable motifs on United States silver currency during the 1800s. On the reverse, the coin displays a powerful eagle perched upon a branch, clutching three arrows in its talons. A shield is positioned across the bird's chest, mirroring the shield held by Liberty on the front. Below this central design, the denomination is inscribed as 'HALF DOL.', anchoring a design that circulated widely during a dynamic period of American history.