Silver Civil War era 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime

1861 Seated Liberty Silver Half Dime – VF Condition (Philadelphia Mint)

A genuine, historically significant 1861 Seated Liberty Silver Half Dime struck during the opening year of the American Civil War.

This coin features excellent mid-grade details and makes a fantastic addition to any type set or Civil War era collection.

Obverse (Front) Summary:

•The obverse features the classic James B. Longacre design of Lady Liberty seated upon a rock, holding a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand, while her right hand supports the Union shield.

• Details: The peripheral lettering "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" is bold, completely legible, and cleanly separated from the rim.

• Wear Check: Lady Liberty’s dress folds and facial profile show honest, even circulation wear. The essential details of the Union shield are intact, and the internal scroll lines are visible.

• Date: The "1861" date is sharply struck, fully raised, and completely legible at the bottom center.

Reverse (Back) Summary:

•The reverse highlights a detailed agricultural wreath composed of corn, wheat, maple, and oak leaves, bound together at the bottom by a tied ribbon bow.

• Details: The denomination "HALF DIME" is strongly struck in the center with excellent contrast.

• Microscope Observations: Under magnification, the delicate grains of the corn cob on the right and the wheat ears on the left show beautiful individual definitions.

• Mint Mark Check: This coin does not feature a mint mark inside or below the bow, identifying it as a Philadelphia Mint issue. The fields are clean with no major distracting gouges or damage.

About the Coin: (Historical Context)

The 1861 Half Dime holds a unique place in American numismatic history.

Minted as the nation was fracturing into the Civil War, these silver coins were heavily hoarded by the public due to economic uncertainty. Finding specimens today with clean surfaces and strong, evenly circulated details is highly desirable for collectors specializing in wartime coinage.

Coin Specifications & Technical Details:

• Year: 1861

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

• Denomination: Half Dime (5 Cents)

• Design Type: Seated Liberty (With Legend Obverse)

• Designer: James B. Longacre

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Weight: 1.24 grams

• Diameter: 15.5 mm

• Edge: Reeded

Please review the detailed description and high-resolution photos and microscope photos to judge the condition for yourself.