1861-O 50C Liberty Seated Half Dollar NGC SE Ex.SS Republic

The 1861-O half dollar was one of only two coins struck by three governments in the same year: the Union, State of Louisiana, and the Confederacy.

Here’s a more affordable 1861-O Seated Liberty half dollar in its Shipwreck Effect condition. In addition to be being reasonably priced, it also is a historic numismatic piece. It is a survivor of the tragic SS Republic shipwreck. Plus it is desirable as the last half dollar issue from the New Orleans Mint.

The popular Seated Liberty Half Dollar series was struck between 1839 and 1891, and the New Orleans Mint produced half dollars during twenty-two different years, stretching from 1840 to 1861. It was in the year 1861 that half dollars were struck at that famous southern mint for three distinct governments: the Union, the State of Louisiana, and the Confederate States of America. Plus it is the last half dollar issue from the New Orleans Mint.

The other coin struck by the same three governments was the 1861-O Liberty Head double eagle.

This 1861-O Liberty Seated half dollar is graded by NGC as Shipwreck Effect. According to NGC, Shipwreck Effect is:

portions of the coin exhibit heavy to severe disturbance from saltwater exposure, with metal loss affecting the design. While accurate identification and attribution may be possible, it is no longer possible to draw conclusive determinations about the coin’s surface prior to saltwater exposure.

The New Orleans Mint, where this historic piece was struck in 1861. Image: Wikimedia Commons.