-
Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 53223
Checkout
The 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime, in Good condition, is a fascinating piece of U.S. coinage from the mid-19th century, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era in American history. The Seated Liberty series, designed by Christian Gobrecht, was introduced in 1837 for the half dime and became a long-running design for various U.S. silver denominations. The 1859-O issue, minted in New Orleans, is especially noteworthy as it was struck during a time of growing tension in the United States, just before the outbreak of the Civil War. Despite its Good condition, where much of the fine detail may be worn down, the coin retains significant historical and collectible value due to its age, minting location, and role in American monetary history.
The obverse of the 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime features the iconic Seated Liberty design, a figure of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her right. The shield represents Liberty’s willingness to defend the nation, while the cap symbolizes freedom, harkening back to ancient Roman traditions of emancipating slaves. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the shield, although in Good condition, this inscription is likely quite worn or faint. Liberty is draped in flowing robes, with her gaze turned forward, evoking a sense of strength and vigilance. Around her figure, thirteen stars represent the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1859" is displayed at the bottom of the coin. In Good condition, the stars and some of Liberty’s finer details may be faint, but the overall design remains recognizable and evocative of the period.
The reverse of the 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime is simple yet elegant, featuring the denomination "HALF DIME" within a wreath of laurel. The laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and honor, adds a touch of refinement to the otherwise functional reverse design. Around the wreath is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," emphasizing the national identity of the coin. The reverse also includes the "O" mint mark, indicating that the coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint, one of the most storied and historically significant mints in U.S. history. In Good condition, the wreath and lettering may show considerable wear, with many of the finer details smoothed out by circulation. However, the essential elements of the reverse design, including the denomination and mint mark, remain visible and continue to hold historical significance.
The 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime was minted at the New Orleans Mint, which played a key role in producing coinage for the southern United States throughout the 19th century. The New Orleans Mint was established in 1838 and operated intermittently until 1909, striking coins in both gold and silver. In 1859, the year this half dime was produced, the United States was just two years away from the Civil War, and New Orleans was one of the largest and most important cities in the country, particularly for trade and finance. Coins minted in New Orleans during this time are highly collectible, not only for their silver content but also for their connection to the city’s rich and complex history. The "O" mint mark on the reverse of the 1859 half dime is a testament to the coin’s origin in this historic mint.
The mintage of the 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime was 480,000 coins, making it a moderately scarce issue compared to some other dates in the series. While not an extremely low mintage, the fact that these coins were intended for circulation means that many examples have been lost or heavily worn over time. Coins in Good condition, like this example, were likely used extensively in everyday commerce, passing through the hands of countless Americans during a time of significant national change. The moderate mintage combined with the age and historical context of the 1859-O issue contributes to its desirability among collectors, especially those with an interest in pre-Civil War coinage from the New Orleans Mint.
In Good condition, the 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime shows significant wear, with many of the finer details on both the obverse and reverse worn smooth from decades of circulation. The image of Liberty on the obverse may have lost much of its sharpness, and the stars and "LIBERTY" inscription may be faint or partially obliterated. Similarly, the reverse wreath and lettering may be well-worn, but the essential elements, including the denomination and mint mark, remain identifiable. Despite its wear, this coin still holds considerable historical value, serving as a tangible artifact from a crucial period in U.S. history. Its wear is a testament to its use in everyday life, adding a sense of connection to the past for collectors who appreciate the stories these coins can tell.
The 1859-O Seated Liberty Half Dime in Good condition is a remarkable piece of American coinage that offers both historical significance and numismatic interest. As a product of the New Orleans Mint, it carries with it the rich history of one of the nation’s most important mints, as well as the cultural and economic significance of the city itself. The design by Christian Gobrecht, with its symbolic imagery of Liberty and national identity, reflects the ideals and values of the United States during the 19th century. While the coin’s condition may show the wear of time, it remains a valuable and evocative piece of early American history, prized by collectors who appreciate its connection to the nation’s past and its role in shaping the U.S. monetary system.