-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56297
Checkout
The Certified Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1854-O F12 NGC is a well-worn but historically rich mid-19th-century silver coin from the New Orleans Mint. Graded Fine 12 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this example retains full, bold outlines of all major design features, with visible details across both obverse and reverse, and smooth, even wear that is typical of a coin that circulated extensively during its time. As part of the long-running Seated Liberty half dollar series designed by Christian Gobrecht, the 1854-O issue represents an important Southern-minted coin and serves as a tangible link to the economic and political realities of pre-Civil War America.
The Seated Liberty design was introduced in 1839 and remained in use through 1891. Gobrecht's design was heavily influenced by classical European motifs, showing Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand, while her right hand rests on a shield emblazoned with the word “LIBERTY.” This representation was meant to symbolize both vigilance and the enduring ideals of the young American republic. In 1854, the design included arrows on either side of the date, a feature used only in select years (1853–1855) to indicate a reduction in the weight standard for silver coins mandated by the Mint Act of 1853.
On the obverse of the 1854-O Seated Liberty half dollar, Liberty is clearly outlined, and all essential features such as her head, arms, shield, and liberty pole are distinct, though worn. In Fine 12 condition, the coin has lost its finer internal details—such as the facial features or intricate gown folds—but maintains full rims and legible legends. The presence of the arrows flanking the date “1854” at the bottom confirms it as a reduced-weight issue. The thirteen stars that encircle Liberty are visible, with some blending due to wear. Overall, the coin's surfaces are smooth and free of distracting damage, earning NGC’s certification as a problem-free circulated piece.
The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, a shield on its chest, and arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right—traditional symbols of readiness for war and a preference for peace. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear along the top rim, with the denomination “HALF DOL.” at the bottom. The “O” mintmark, identifying the coin as a product of the New Orleans Mint, is located just above the denomination. In Fine 12 condition, the eagle remains bold and easy to distinguish, with the head, beak, and wing outlines clear. The finer lines in the wings and shield are soft but discernible, reflecting its long circulation life. Lettering is bold and easily readable throughout.
The New Orleans Mint struck 4,837,000 Seated Liberty half dollars in 1854, making it a relatively available issue in lower grades. However, coins from Southern mints always carry added historical intrigue, particularly those issued prior to the Civil War. The New Orleans Mint was a vital component of U.S. coinage in the antebellum South, and coins from this facility circulated heavily in the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River regions. The 1854-O issue is also notable for being part of the arrowed date subtype, which lasted only three years and is often collected as a distinct design type within the larger Seated Liberty series.
The 1853 weight reduction—from 13.36 grams to 12.44 grams—was a response to rising silver prices, which had made it profitable for speculators to melt U.S. coins. To easily identify the new, lighter coins, the Mint added arrows to either side of the date and rays to the reverse on half dollars minted in 1853 only. By 1854, the rays were removed, but the arrows remained until the end of 1855. Thus, the 1854-O with arrows is an important marker of this transitional phase in U.S. coinage standards.
NGC’s certification of this coin at F12 confirms that it is an authentic, unaltered example with moderate but honest wear consistent with extended circulation. The encapsulation protects the coin and assures buyers of its legitimacy and approximate grade. Collectors often pursue coins like this for historical completeness or inclusion in type sets. While higher-grade examples of this date are more visually striking, coins in Fine condition offer strong visual integrity and a more accessible price point, especially for those assembling a comprehensive 19th-century collection.
The Seated Liberty half dollar series as a whole is prized for its long production run, regional mint variety, and historical resonance. For collectors interested in Southern-minted coinage, pre-Civil War economic history, or U.S. coin design evolution, the 1854-O occupies a valuable place. It also appeals to those focused on the subset of arrowed-date coins, which form a distinctive three-year window reflecting economic adjustments and minting policy changes during a pivotal era in American monetary history.
The Certified Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1854-O F12 NGC is a classic mid-19th-century U.S. silver coin with rich historical character, strong design visibility, and problem-free surfaces. Its Southern origin, transitional design features, and smooth, even wear make it a compelling addition to collections focused on type coins, regional mints, or the economic history of antebellum America. Whether appreciated as a budget-friendly vintage coin or as part of a larger pursuit, this well-preserved F12 example stands as a proud representative of America’s early silver coinage legacy.