-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56824
Checkout
The Certified 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime graded XF45 by NGC offers collectors a compelling combination of historical resonance and well-preserved artistry. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the opening year of the American Civil War, this coin holds a place not just in numismatic history but in the broader national story. The Seated Liberty Half Dime was an integral part of everyday commerce during the mid-19th century, and the 1861 issue is one of the final examples before the economic turmoil of the war led to widespread hoarding of precious metals and the eventual discontinuation of the denomination. As an Extra Fine (XF45) specimen, this coin retains strong detail with only light circulation wear, making it an attractive and historically significant piece for collectors of early American silver coinage.
The obverse of the 1861 Seated Half Dime features the enduring design by Christian Gobrecht, with the figure of Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a pole topped with a Liberty cap in her left hand, symbolizing freedom, while her right hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” representing national defense. Thirteen stars arc above her to signify the original colonies, and the date “1861” is centered at the bottom. On this XF45 example, the major design elements remain clear and distinct. Liberty’s profile, the cap and pole, and the shield all retain strong outlines, with only light, even wear visible on the highest points such as the folds of Liberty’s gown and facial features. The rims are fully intact and the coin's surfaces retain some original luster in protected areas.
The reverse of the coin presents a stylized wreath composed of various agricultural motifs such as corn, wheat, oak, and maple, enclosing the denomination “HALF DIME” in bold capital letters. The outer legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the wreath. The wreath design on this XF45 example is well-struck, with most of the leaf detail remaining visible, although some softness may appear on the tips of the leaves or bow. The denomination is fully legible, and the reverse retains a balanced, symmetrical appearance. The fields exhibit a slight softness from circulation, but no major distractions such as scratches or damage, attesting to the coin’s careful handling over its 160-year history.
The 1861 Seated Half Dime was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, with a reported mintage of 3,360,000 pieces. While this figure is higher than many other years in the series, the coin’s Civil War date gives it enhanced desirability among collectors. Coins from this year were subject to increased hoarding due to the uncertainty and financial panic that spread across both Union and Confederate states. Silver coins, even low-denomination pieces like half dimes, quickly disappeared from circulation and were often melted or exported. As a result, relatively few circulated extensively before being removed from the economy, and even fewer have survived in collectible condition today, particularly in mid-to-high circulated grades such as XF45.
The Seated Liberty design underwent several minor adjustments during its production span from 1837 to 1873. By 1861, the design had reached a stable, standardized form featuring stars around the obverse and the agricultural wreath on the reverse. Earlier varieties had included “No Stars,” “Arrows,” and “Legend” variations, making the Seated Liberty Half Dime an ideal series for type collectors and specialists. The 1861 issue represents the final standard design used before the denomination began to decline in circulation. The Coinage Act of 1873 would ultimately abolish the half dime, replacing it with the copper-nickel five-cent piece, commonly known as the Liberty Head “V” nickel starting in 1883.
Graded XF45 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), this coin falls within the high end of the circulated grading scale. An XF45 coin exhibits light but even wear across the highest points of the design, with nearly all details clearly defined. The rims are strong, the fields are free of major damage, and the coin retains good eye appeal. The XF grade is often favored by collectors because it preserves much of the original detail and character of the coin while remaining more affordable than higher Mint State grades. NGC certification ensures that the coin is genuine and has not been cleaned, altered, or otherwise impaired—critical attributes when dealing with coins from the Civil War period.
Historically, the 1861 Seated Half Dime circulated at a time of great national division. In April of that year, the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War. As the conflict escalated, financial markets panicked, and specie payments were suspended by banks. Precious metal coins, even low-value silver pieces, were increasingly hoarded by the public. The 1861 half dime would have been one of the last to circulate in any significant quantity before the widespread withdrawal of silver from commerce. Its presence today offers a tangible link to that moment of economic and political crisis, making it a coin of both numismatic and historical interest.
The half dime denomination itself traces back to the earliest years of the U.S. Mint, with production beginning in 1794. The small silver coin was an essential part of American commerce throughout the early 19th century, especially when copper coinage was less accepted in many areas. Weighing just 1.24 grams and composed of 90% silver, the half dime was valued for both its intrinsic metal content and convenience. By the 1860s, however, economic shifts and changes in public preferences led to its obsolescence. The 1861 issue, therefore, occupies a transitional place—still a practical coin in circulation, yet destined for extinction within just over a decade.
For collectors, the Certified 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime graded XF45 NGC offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a historic Civil War-era coin with great eye appeal and certified authenticity. It is particularly appealing to those building type sets, Civil War collections, or 19th-century American coinage series. The coin’s balance of detail, light wear, and original surfaces makes it a strong representative of the final phase of the Seated Half Dime series. Its Philadelphia origin, high historical relevance, and enduring artistry contribute to its status as a desirable and meaningful addition to any numismatic portfolio.
In conclusion, the Certified 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime in XF45 condition provides a fascinating blend of beauty, utility, and historical context. With a design rooted in neoclassical ideals and a production date coinciding with one of the most pivotal years in U.S. history, this coin stands as a survivor from a bygone era of American coinage. Its preservation in Extra Fine condition allows collectors to appreciate the fine details of Gobrecht’s enduring design, while its NGC certification offers peace of mind and assurance of quality. Whether valued for its artistry, historical significance, or investment potential, the 1861 Seated Half Dime remains a powerful artifact of America’s numismatic and national heritage.