USA ½ dollar Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1851
USA, New Orleans
Rarity
Scarce
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dollar |
| Krause number | KM# 68 |
| Mintage | 402,000 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| diameter | 30.6 mm |
| weight | 13.36 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Star
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Coat of arms
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
HALF DOL.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
The crisis prompted by the falling price of gold after 1849 finally caught up with half dollar production at the New Orleans Mint. This issue is scarce in circulated grades from wear that occurred mostly overseas or in later years when the price of silver declined even further than that of gold. Mint State examples, while rare overall, are found very well made from fresh dies, and a number of choice or gem pieces are known. An amazing 20 die pairs were shipped from Philadelphia for 1851-O half dollar coinage, a sizable miscalculation of need. Many of the dated ones were indeed never used, though some of the reverses carried over to subsequent production, at least until rays were added during 1853. Even so, five die marriages are known for this issue from four each obverse and reverse dies. There are no varieties observed, and a single collar having 141 reeds is known. This contrasts with the 145 reeds of Philadelphia Mint 1851 half dollars and serves as a good authentication point.Read More
