USA ½ dime Liberty Seated Half Dime Legend Obverse 1860
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Uncommon
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dime |
| Krause number | KM# 91 |
| Mintage | 799,000 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| diameter | 15.5 mm |
| weight | 1.24 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse:
Wreath
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
HALF DIME
Introduction of Coins
The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was transferred to the obverse of the dime and half dime beginning in 1860. The simple wreath utilized previously was replaced with a much more elaborate one that did not provide sufficient space for the former legend. J. B. Longacre refined the R. B. Hughes figure of Liberty from 1840 for the obverse, and he is generally credited with the wreath device, as well. Some claim, however, may be made for A. C. Paquet having created this wreath, as the tall, narrow lettering used on both sides is characteristic of his work. Despite a relatively modest mintage, this issue is plentiful across all grades through MS 66. The novelty of this design probably accounts for such availability, as there were at least several hundred active collectors of United States coins by 1860. Most 1860(P) half dimes are well struck, and finding a nice example will not be difficult. The only notable variety features a complete repunching of the date clockwise to the first impression, though careful overlapping rendered only the first and last duplicate numberals visible. A minor doubled-die obverse variety features doubling of the legend, but this variety has attracted little attention.Read More
