The U.S. 1871 Half Dollar, designed by Christian Gobrecht, featured Seated Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Struck in 90% silver, the 1871 Half Dollar reflected America’s reliance on precious metal coinage during the Reconstruction era. Following the Civil War, silver played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy as the nation recovered. The coin’s design, introduced in 1839, symbolized liberty and resilience, key themes during this period of rebuilding and westward expansion.

Politically, the U.S. 1871 Half Dollar circulated as President Ulysses S. Grant led Reconstruction efforts, including the Enforcement Acts protecting African American rights. Economically, debates over silver and gold-backed currency intensified, foreshadowing future monetary policies. The 1871 Half Dollar, made from mined silver, was essential in everyday commerce, as the nation expanded its industrial and agricultural sectors. Though later replaced by different designs, the 1871 Half Dollar remains a symbol of America’s post-war recovery and economic transformation.