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The Certified Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1861 MS62 PCGS is a desirable Mint State example of a U.S. silver coin struck at the dawn of the Civil War. Graded Mint State 62 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this specimen retains full luster, bold detail, and no signs of circulation wear, though it may exhibit minor contact marks or planchet flaws in the fields consistent with the grade. As one of the final issues before the addition of the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto in 1866, the 1861 Seated Liberty half dollar represents both artistic continuity and historical transition, minted as the nation fractured and descended into one of its most defining conflicts.
The Seated Liberty half dollar series was produced from 1839 to 1891 and was the longest-running half dollar design in U.S. history. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in one hand and resting the other on a shield inscribed with “LIBERTY.” She is surrounded by thirteen stars, with the date at the bottom. On this 1861 Mint State example, Liberty’s figure is crisp and well-defined, with strong delineation in the drapery folds, shield lines, and cap. In MS62, the coin displays vibrant cartwheel luster and a sharp strike, though small abrasions in the fields or on Liberty's high points may be present.
The reverse depicts an American eagle with wings spread, holding arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for war and preference for peace. A shield rests on the eagle’s chest, and the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches above, with “HALF DOL.” below. The 1861 issue features the pre-motto reverse, lacking the “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscription that was added beginning in 1866. On this MS62 specimen, the eagle is sharply struck, with fine detail visible in the feathers, claws, and shield. The coin’s mint luster glows across both sides, though light chatter in the open fields may be present, consistent with the MS62 designation.
The 1861 half dollar was struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco Mints. This example, with no mintmark, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced 2,532,633 half dollars that year. The year 1861 is particularly significant, as it marked the outbreak of the Civil War. While Philadelphia remained the principal federal mint, the conflict soon disrupted the operations of the New Orleans Mint, which was seized by Confederate forces early that year and briefly used to strike coins under Confederate authority before being shut down. As a result, the 1861 half dollar is often collected not only for its numismatic merit but also for its direct connection to this pivotal period in American history.
In Mint State 62, this coin sits at the lower end of the uncirculated scale. MS62 coins are fully uncirculated with no actual wear but may have several noticeable contact marks, hairlines, or planchet imperfections, especially in the open fields. However, they retain strong eye appeal, with sharp details and full mint luster. This grade is often favored by collectors for its affordability compared to higher Mint State coins, while still delivering the full uncirculated experience and preservation of the original strike.
PCGS certification adds credibility and stability to this coin's market value. The MS62 grade, authenticated and encapsulated in a secure holder, ensures the coin's originality and condition have been professionally verified. For collectors of certified Seated Liberty half dollars, PCGS-graded examples offer consistent market recognition, protection, and liquidity. Coins from the Civil War era are particularly appealing when certified, as they provide a reliable historical reference and provenance amid a sea of potential counterfeits or altered examples.
The Seated Liberty half dollar underwent several design modifications throughout its run, including the addition of arrows (in 1853–1855 and 1873–1874), rays (1853), and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” (1866 onward). The 1861 issue represents the final full year of the no-motto design before the war shifted the cultural and religious sentiments of the country, influencing even the nation's coinage. As such, it represents a transition in both art and ideology—issued in the final months of a unified national minting operation before the U.S. split politically and militarily.
The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 12.44 grams, and measures 30.6 mm in diameter. The silver content, classical design, and large size make the Seated Liberty half dollar one of the most attractive silver issues of the 19th century. The reeded edge and broad surfaces give the coin a striking presence in any collection, especially when preserved in Mint State condition as seen here.
From a collector’s perspective, the 1861 MS62 half dollar offers a compelling combination of grade, historical resonance, and design purity. It serves equally well in a type set of classic American silver coins, a complete Seated Liberty half dollar year set, or a thematic collection focused on Civil War-era numismatics. While higher-grade examples exist, MS62 represents a sweet spot where price and condition align favorably for both intermediate and advanced collectors.
The Certified Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1861 MS62 PCGS is a compelling blend of beauty, preservation, and national history. With its sharp strike, original luster, and war-era significance, it provides collectors with an authentic artifact from a formative moment in American history. As a Mint State survivor of the pre-motto design, this coin stands as both a numismatic prize and a symbol of the challenges and changes that defined the 1860s in the United States.