-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56846
Checkout
The Certified 1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar graded XF40 by NGC is a highly collectible mid-19th-century silver coin that holds both historical significance and visual appeal. Minted in New Orleans, this piece is part of the broader Seated Liberty series designed by Christian Gobrecht, which ran from 1839 through 1891. The “O” mintmark beneath the eagle on the reverse identifies it as a product of the New Orleans Mint, a facility that played a vital role in supplying coinage to the rapidly growing Southern and Western regions of the United States. In Extra Fine 40 condition, this coin displays light to moderate wear on the highest points of the design, with most of the intricate details still visible and sharp, offering collectors a desirable balance between affordability and preservation.
The obverse of the 1856-O Seated Half Dollar features the iconic figure of Liberty seated upon a rock, facing left. She holds a pole topped by a Phrygian cap in her left hand, symbolizing freedom, while her right hand rests on a shield bearing the word “LIBERTY” across its horizontal banner. Thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies, arc above her, with the date “1856” positioned below. In XF40 condition, Liberty’s drapery lines and facial features are still present and visible, though softly worn. The folds of her gown, the edge of the shield, and the definition in her hands and cap are distinguishable, offering clear evidence of the coin’s well-struck origin and gentle wear from circulation.
The reverse displays a strong heraldic eagle with widespread wings and a Union shield across its chest. The eagle clutches an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left, symbolizing the balance between peace and military preparedness. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOL.” surround the central design. The “O” mintmark, denoting the New Orleans Mint, is found directly below the eagle’s tail feathers. In this XF40 example, the eagle’s feathers, talons, and shield stripes are mostly intact, with only modest smoothing evident on the highest points. The legends remain bold and well-struck, and the mintmark is crisp and easily identifiable, adding regional character to the coin’s appeal.
Minted at the New Orleans branch mint, the 1856-O Seated Half Dollar had a total mintage of 2,180,000 pieces, making it a relatively accessible issue within the Seated Liberty series. However, high-quality survivors are increasingly scarce due to heavy circulation and melting over the decades. Many of these coins were used in everyday commerce across the Southern states, where hard currency was in high demand for cotton, shipping, and trade. The New Orleans Mint, operational from 1838 until the Civil War, was one of the most prolific of the early branch mints and served a critical role in the monetary infrastructure of the antebellum South.
With a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1856-O half dollar has a standard weight of 12.44 grams and a diameter of 30.6 millimeters. The reeded edge is typical for the denomination and helps to prevent clipping. This issue follows the 1853 reduction in silver content and consequent addition of the arrows-at-date design, which had been removed by 1856, making the 1856-O a post-weight-adjustment coin with a return to the standard Seated Liberty appearance. Collectors value it not just as a date-and-mintmark combination, but also as part of the narrative evolution of U.S. coinage policy and design.
In terms of grading, XF40 denotes a coin with light to moderate wear across high points but with the majority of design features intact. On the obverse, Liberty’s figure retains solid outlines, and the shield and gown folds are discernible. The stars and date are strong, with minimal flattening. On the reverse, most of the eagle’s features remain clear, and the mintmark is sharp. XF40 coins may show some light toning, typically a gray or golden hue that enhances their eye appeal without compromising the coin’s originality. This particular specimen, certified by NGC, has been authenticated and graded to market standards, assuring collectors of its genuineness and problem-free surfaces.
The historical context surrounding the 1856-O half dollar is equally compelling. The 1850s were a time of growing economic division in the United States, and the coin’s Southern mint origin provides a tangible link to the antebellum period. New Orleans was one of the nation’s busiest ports, a financial and trading hub that necessitated a large supply of hard money. Silver coins like this half dollar were essential for commerce, and many circulated heavily, especially in the bustling markets along the Mississippi River and throughout the Gulf region. This coin could have passed through the hands of merchants, traders, planters, and riverboatmen as the nation expanded both westward and industrially.
Collectors prize the 1856-O Seated Half Dollar for its regional identity, historical significance, and pleasing design. While the Philadelphia issues often dominate the Seated Liberty series in quantity, the branch mint issues such as this “O” mint coin add an extra layer of intrigue. In XF40 condition, this coin is particularly attractive to those seeking an above-average circulated example that retains character without the cost of an uncirculated specimen. It is suitable for a type set, a New Orleans Mint set, or a more complete Seated Liberty collection organized by date and mintmark.
In conclusion, the Certified 1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar graded XF40 by NGC offers collectors a beautiful and historically rich coin from a pivotal period in U.S. minting. With its iconic design, regional mint origin, solid silver content, and desirable level of preservation, it captures the essence of mid-19th-century American commerce and artistry. The NGC certification assures authenticity and condition, allowing collectors to confidently enjoy a piece of Southern numismatic history that is both aesthetically pleasing and educationally significant. As a representation of both the Seated Liberty series and the storied New Orleans Mint, this XF40 example is a rewarding acquisition for any serious collector.