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The Seated Liberty Half Dollar of 1875 is an important representative of late 19th-century American coinage, embodying the design aesthetics and technical standards of its era. This coin, minted during a period of economic and industrial growth in the United States, reflects both the artistic achievements of the U.S. Mint and the broader socio-economic context of the time. The 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is particularly notable for its place in the series and its role in the daily transactions of the period.
The design of the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is attributed to Christian Gobrecht, whose work had a lasting impact on U.S. coinage. The obverse features a depiction of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a liberty pole with a cap in her right hand. This image symbolizes strength, protection, and freedom, aligning with the values and ideals of the 19th century. The date “1875” appears prominently below Liberty, while the inscriptions “LIBERTY” on the shield and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge complete the design. On the reverse, the coin displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows. The eagle is surrounded by a ribbon bearing the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “HALF DOLLAR” is inscribed below. The design is characterized by its neoclassical style, emphasizing both artistic elegance and symbolic representation, which was typical of the period's coinage.
The 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the main facility for coin production in the United States at the time. The mintage of the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was approximately 4,000,000 coins. This relatively high mintage reflects the coin’s role in everyday transactions and its importance within the broader context of American commerce during the late 19th century. The substantial number of coins produced indicates that the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was widely circulated, making it a common sight in the economy of the era. The production of this coin at the Philadelphia Mint underscores the facility’s central role in the creation of U.S. currency and its significance in the distribution of coinage throughout the country.
In terms of condition, a Fine (F) grade for the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar indicates that the coin has experienced moderate wear but retains most of its essential design features. In Fine condition, the coin will exhibit noticeable flattening of the details, with Liberty’s features and the inscriptions on both the obverse and reverse being worn but still clearly identifiable. The shield on Liberty’s dress and the eagle’s details will be visible, though they may be slightly worn or softened. The coin’s surface will show signs of circulation wear, including scratches and smooth areas, but the overall design remains recognizable. The date “1875” and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” will be readable, providing key information about the coin’s origin and denomination. Fine examples of the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar are valued by collectors for their historical significance and their representation of late 19th-century American numismatics.
The 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a significant piece in the history of U.S. coinage, offering valuable insights into the artistic and technical standards of its time. The coin’s design, minting history, and condition all contribute to its importance and appeal. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint and a continuation of Christian Gobrecht’s design legacy, the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar represents a key moment in American coinage. Collectors and historians appreciate this coin for its historical context, its role in the evolution of U.S. coinage, and its representation of the artistry and technical standards of the late 19th century. Despite its wear, the 1875 Seated Liberty Half Dollar remains a cherished item for those who value the rich heritage of American numismatics and the nuances of its historical development.