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The Seated Liberty Half Dime of 1861 represents a unique and significant issue within the Seated Liberty series, minted during a pivotal year in American history. This coin reflects both the artistic and practical aspects of mid-19th century U.S. coinage, and it offers collectors and historians a tangible link to the era's social and economic context. The year 1861 was marked by the onset of the American Civil War, a period of profound transformation for the United States, and this coin provides a glimpse into the nation's coinage just as it faced these monumental changes.
The design of the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime follows the classic motifs established by engraver Christian Gobrecht in 1837. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, with her right hand resting on a shield emblazoned with a star, while her left hand holds a staff topped with a liberty cap. This depiction of Liberty symbolizes strength and freedom, aligning with the values held by the nation at the time. The surrounding stars, which total thirteen, represent the original thirteen colonies, serving as a reminder of America's foundational history. The date “1861” is prominently displayed below Liberty, providing a clear indication of the coin’s year of minting and distinguishing it within the series.
On the reverse side, the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime features a wreath composed of olive branches, which encircles the denomination “5 C” (five cents). This simple yet effective design element emphasizes the coin's value and purpose. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DIME” encircle the wreath, clearly identifying the coin's origin and denomination. The use of the wreath symbolizes peace and unity, resonating with the nation’s ideals even as it faced internal strife.
The 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary minting facility in the United States during this period. Philadelphia was the nation's major minting center, responsible for producing a substantial portion of the country's coinage. The total mintage for the 1861 Half Dime was approximately 1,176,000 coins. This relatively high mintage reflects the ongoing demand for small-denomination coins, which were essential for everyday transactions and commerce during this era.
In Fine (F) condition, the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime exhibits moderate wear, characteristic of coins that have been in circulation but have not experienced excessive damage. On the obverse, Liberty’s image will show noticeable wear, particularly on the finer details of her gown and the staff she holds. The surrounding stars and the date will be visible but may exhibit flattening and some loss of detail. The reverse side will display wear on the wreath and the inscriptions, with the text becoming less sharp but still legible. Despite these signs of circulation, the coin retains its essential design elements, offering a clear view of the historical and artistic significance of the piece.
The 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime is a valuable collectible for numismatists, offering insight into the design and production practices of the mid-19th century. The coin’s historical significance, combined with its design elements and minting details, makes it a noteworthy piece for collectors interested in this era of American coinage. The Fine condition of this coin reflects its journey through history, preserving its essential design while demonstrating the effects of circulation.
Overall, the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime in Fine condition is a compelling example of early American coinage. Its design, minting history, and condition make it an important piece for collectors and historians, representing a significant moment in the evolution of U.S. coinage. The coin’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of historical significance, aesthetic design, and practical function, capturing a snapshot of American history during a time of great national change.