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The Certified Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1861 AU Details NGC is a high-grade, historically compelling example of U.S. silver coinage issued at the onset of the American Civil War. Graded About Uncirculated Details by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin retains nearly all of its original design sharpness and luster, with only faint high-point friction. While it does not receive a numeric grade due to a noted issue such as cleaning, damage, or other surface impairment, it remains a desirable collector piece for its strong eye appeal, historical importance, and advanced state of preservation.
The Seated Liberty half dollar was designed by Christian Gobrecht and struck from 1839 through 1891. It depicts a neoclassical image of Liberty seated on a rock, with a Union shield in one hand and a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in the other. This enduring design symbolized freedom and strength and was used across multiple denominations during the mid-19th century. By 1861, the half dollar bore the updated reverse introduced in 1866, but the pre-motto reverse used on this coin remained in place through 1865. The absence of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the reverse distinguishes the 1861 coin as one of the last issues before the Civil War’s ideological and political impact transformed American coin design.
The obverse of the 1861 Seated Liberty half dollar features Liberty seated in profile, facing left, supporting a striped Union shield with her right hand and holding the liberty pole with her left. Around her are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1861” positioned at the bottom. In AU Details condition, this side of the coin displays full central devices, including Liberty’s facial profile, shield lines, cap, and gown folds. Only faint rub appears on the highest areas—such as Liberty’s knee and breast—suggesting limited handling before the coin was removed from circulation. The “Details” designation from NGC indicates the presence of a condition issue such as old cleaning or minor damage, which typically affects only the surfaces and not the integrity of the design.
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, holding arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above and the denomination “HALF DOL.” below. The 1861 issue does not yet feature the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto, which became standard beginning in 1866 in response to growing national religious sentiment during the Civil War. In this example, the eagle’s feathers, claws, and shield elements are fully outlined and well-defined. Minor friction may appear on the eagle’s neck and wing tips, but the coin’s bold strike and overall completeness confirm its high state of preservation.
The 1861 half dollar was struck at three mints—Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco. This particular coin, bearing no mintmark, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced 2,532,633 half dollars that year. Although not the rarest of the series, the 1861 issue is historically significant due to its association with the first year of the Civil War. The nation was deeply divided at the time of its minting, and silver coinage like this circulated among soldiers, merchants, and civilians on both sides of the conflict, becoming part of the fabric of daily life during one of the most turbulent eras in U.S. history.
Coins graded AU Details by NGC have the sharpness and surface retention of an About Uncirculated 50–58 grade coin, but with a noted flaw. This may include a past cleaning, light environmental damage, a scratch, or another factor that prevents the coin from receiving a numeric grade. While this reduces its technical value, many AU Details coins remain visually appealing and offer the collector an opportunity to acquire an attractive, high-grade specimen at a more accessible price point. In many cases, AU Details coins display rich toning, full strikes, and bright luster, making them excellent type examples.
The Seated Liberty half dollar series is popular among collectors for its long run, artistic beauty, and historical resonance. The 1861 issue occupies a unique place within the series as a bridge between antebellum America and the war-torn years that followed. Its continued use of the no-motto reverse places it within the traditionalist design era, while its mintage during a time of national division gives it added historical weight. For collectors focused on Civil War-era coins, silver coinage of the 1860s, or transitional design periods, the 1861 half dollar is a compelling addition.
This coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs approximately 12.44 grams, and measures 30.6 mm in diameter. Its reeded edge and bold relief were typical of silver coinage from the era. The Philadelphia Mint, which struck this coin, did not place mintmarks on half dollars at the time, distinguishing it from the “O” and “S” mintmarked coins of the same year from New Orleans and San Francisco respectively. Many of these coins were subject to heavy circulation, and high-grade survivors—especially those with strong details like this—are increasingly scarce.
Collectors who choose this AU Details example benefit from the coin’s full design sharpness, strong historical connection, and third-party authentication by NGC. The slab protects the coin and confirms its authenticity while giving buyers confidence in their acquisition. Although it does not carry the same market premium as a problem-free AU58 or MS61 coin, it still commands strong respect and collector appeal due to its visual quality and Civil War provenance.
The Certified Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1861 AU Details NGC is a richly detailed, high-end circulated coin from one of the most crucial years in American history. With its classic design, excellent preservation, and wartime context, it stands as both a collector piece and a tangible artifact of a nation on the brink of transformation. Whether for a type set, Civil War-themed collection, or as a standalone historical treasure, this coin offers exceptional character and numismatic significance at a compelling value.