The 1860-O Liberty Seated half dime is a rare and highly sought-after coin minted at the New Orleans Mint as part of the Liberty Seated coin series. This series, designed by Christian Gobrecht, represents a significant era in U.S. coinage history. The 1860-O half dime is particularly valued due to its low mintage and scarcity in mint condition.
The 1860-O half dime was minted in the final year of half-dime production at the New Orleans Mint before the outbreak of the Civil War, which temporarily halted operations. With a mintage of only 40,000, this coin holds a special place in numismatic history, especially as examples in mint condition are exceedingly rare.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 15.9 millimeters |
| Denomination | 0.05 USD |
| Gross Weight | 1.24 grams |
| Actual Silver Weight | ~0.0359 troy ounces of silver |
| Fineness/Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 15.9 millimeters |
| Thickness | ~0.7 millimeters |
| Specific Gravity | 10.2–10.4 |
| Numismatic Price Range | $625 - $80000 |
The obverse of the 1860-O Liberty Seated half dime features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a pole with a Phrygian cap atop. The reverse shows an intricate wreath encircling the denomination "HALF DIME" with the "O" mintmark for New Orleans beneath it. The small mintmark is a notable feature of this coin, reflecting the style of the dies shipped to New Orleans.
The 1860-O Liberty Seated half dime is highly significant among collectors due to its rarity, historical context, and connection to the New Orleans Mint. It is a key date coin in the Liberty Seated series, sought after by both collectors of U.S. coinage and enthusiasts of pre-Civil War history.
As of October 2024, the value of the 1860-O half dime ranges from $625 in circulated condition to $16,000 for well-preserved specimens. Uncirculated examples can fetch as much as $80,000 at auction, making this coin a prized possession for serious numismatists.
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