Lot 958
1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. NGC graded MS-66. Old holder. Well struck with wonderful original toning on both sides. Strong metal flow augments the already showy mint luster that covers the surfaces, giving the coin a fresh, uncleaned, and superb glowing appearance. The mint brilliance is only tempered a little by the overlay of "old silver" patina. Nicely struck with just outstanding detail at the stars, Liberty's hair and gown, and on both shields, to mention just a few areas. Indeed, the entire coin can be said to be razor-sharp. Certainly should be in a MS-67 holder. Pop 9; 1 in 67; 2 in 68.
The importance of New Orleans as a commercial center was reinforced when the United States Federal Government established a branch of the United States Mint there in 1838, along with two other Southern branch mints at Charlotte, North Carolina and Dahlonega, Georgia. Such action was deemed necessary largely because in 1836 President Andrew Jackson had issued an executive order called a specie circular which demanded that all land transactions in the United States be conducted in cash, thus increasing the need for minted money. In contrast to the other two Southern branch mints, which only minted gold coinage, the New Orleans Mint produced both gold and silver coinage, which perhaps marked it as the most important branch mint in the country.
The mint produced coins from 1838 until 1861, when Confederate forces occupied the building and used it briefly as their own coinage facility until it was recaptured by Union forces the following year.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
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| Realized $12,650 |
