USA ½ dime Liberty Seated Half Dime 1851
USA, New Orleans
Rarity
Uncommon
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dime |
| Krause number | KM# 62 |
| Mintage | 860,000 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| thickness | 0.65 mm |
| diameter | 15.5 mm |
| weight | 1.34 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Star
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Wreath
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
HALF DIME
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
This is one of several issues dated 1850-53 that are more commonly seen than their mintages would suggest. The answer is found in the falling price of gold after the vast discoveries in California and Australia. This made silver more valuable in relation to gold and prompted the hoarding of all silver coins. It thus created a time capsule for United States fractional silver pieces that has benefitted generations of collectors. The only deterrent to finding an attractive 1851 O half dime will be the usual weakness of strike that afflicts so many New Orleans Mint coins.Read More
