The US 1861 Half Dollar, designed by Christian Gobrecht, features the Seated Liberty motif, symbolizing freedom at the brink of civil war. Struck in 90% silver, the US 1861 Half Dollar reflected economic reliance on precious metals amid growing national division. Its classical design contrasted with the chaos of secession.
In 1861, the Civil War began, fracturing the Union and disrupting the economy. The US 1861 Half Dollar became part of a strained monetary system, as silver coins were hoarded. Gobrecht’s enduring design gave the US 1861 Half Dollar a sense of unity and stability during political upheaval.