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The Seated Liberty Half Dollar of 1858-O is a significant coin in the series of American half dollars, reflecting both the artistic style and historical context of the mid-19th century. Minted during a period of expansion and economic development in the United States, this coin is notable for its design elements, its production at the New Orleans Mint, and its place within the broader narrative of American numismatics.
The design of the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar is attributed to Christian Gobrecht, who served as the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1840 until his death in 1844. Gobrecht's designs continued to be used on U.S. coinage beyond his tenure, including the Seated Liberty series. The obverse features a representation of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a liberty pole with a cap in her right. This image symbolizes strength and freedom, aligning with the ideals of the period. Below Liberty is the date “1858,” while the inscriptions “LIBERTY” on the shield and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircle the coin’s edge. On the reverse, the coin depicts 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 of the coin is characterized by its neoclassical style, emphasizing artistic elegance and symbolic themes, which were prevalent in the mid-19th century American coinage.
The 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar was minted at the New Orleans Mint, a key facility in the U.S. Mint system. The New Orleans Mint, which began operations in 1838, was established to meet the increasing demand for coinage in the southern and western regions of the United States. The mintage of the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar was approximately 1,196,000 coins. This mintage reflects the coin’s role in daily transactions and its importance within the economic context of the mid-19th century. The substantial number of coins produced indicates that the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar was widely circulated and played a significant role in the economy of the period. The production of this coin at the New Orleans Mint underscores the facility’s importance in the distribution of currency throughout the southern and western regions of the country.
In terms of condition, a Very Fine (VF) grade for the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar indicates that the coin shows moderate to significant wear but retains most of its key design elements. In Very Fine condition, the coin will exhibit noticeable wear on high points, with Liberty’s features and the inscriptions on both the obverse and reverse being worn but still clearly identifiable. The details of the shield on Liberty’s dress and the eagle’s features will be visible, although they may be softened or slightly worn. The coin’s surface will display signs of circulation wear, such as scratches and smooth areas, but the overall design remains recognizable. The date “1858” and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” will be readable, providing essential information about the coin’s origin and denomination. Very Fine examples of the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar are appreciated by collectors for their historical significance and their representation of mid-19th-century American numismatics.
The 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a noteworthy piece in the history of U.S. coinage, offering valuable insights into the artistic and technical standards of the period. The coin’s design, minting history, and condition all contribute to its importance and appeal. As a product of the New Orleans Mint and a continuation of Christian Gobrecht’s design legacy, the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar represents a key moment in American coinage. Collectors and historians value 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 mid-19th century. Despite its wear, the 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar remains a cherished item for those who appreciate the rich heritage of American numismatics and the nuances of its historical development.