The Seated Liberty Half Dollar was struck by the United States Mint between 1839 and 1891 and stands as a well-known series in American numismatics. Over its long production life, collectors encounter a wide range of dates, mint facilities, and design details. These variations make the series an engaging one to collect. The 1861 example offered here was produced during the opening year of the American Civil War, adding an extra layer of historical interest. Today, certified 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar Coins are available at BGASC.

Highlights:

• Comes with a protective plastic slab!
• 23rd issue of Seated Liberty Half Dollars!
• Declared mintage of 2,887,400 coins at Philadelphia!
• Contains .3575 troy oz of actual silver content.
• The face value of $.50 (USD) is backed by the US government.
• Graded Mint State 62 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• On the obverse is the Seated Liberty design.
• The reverse features the heraldic eagle.

All 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar Coins available here have been graded Mint State 62 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. An MS62 coin generally shows moderate marks across the surface from handling over time. Small clusters of contact marks are typical, and a few larger marks may be present in the main focal areas. Hairlines are also visible on coins at this grade level.

Obverse

On the obverse of the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is the well-known design by Christian Gobrecht. Liberty is shown seated on a rock and wearing flowing garments. She holds a shield in her left hand while a pole with a liberty cap rests in her right hand. Thirteen stars appear around the design, and the year of issue is placed at the bottom of the coin.

Reverse

The reverse of the coin features a heraldic eagle with its wings extended. In its talons, the eagle holds arrows and an olive branch, while a shield covers its chest. The surrounding inscriptions list the issuing nation and the denomination of the coin.

History

The year 1861 marked the start of the Civil War, making coins from that year particularly meaningful to many collectors. The Seated Liberty Half Dollar from this period provides a direct connection to the events unfolding across the country at the time. In addition to its historical background, the 1861 issue attracts attention from collectors who study the different dies and production varieties found within the series.

Ordering

If you have questions about historic 90% silver coinage, please contact BGASC. Our customer service team is available at 888-992-4272, through our web chat, and via email to assist you.