1861-O Half Dollar - 1861-O 50C ANACS VG10. This gently circulated, Southern branch mint, Civil War dated half dollar, meets all the criteria for a full Very Good 10. The rim on both sides is raised. More than three letters of LIBERTY are visible, as are all the letters of the legends and the numerals of the date. The coin is toned silver-gray, and its surfaces are fully original and exceptionally clean for the grade. 

The New Orleans Mint was authorized in 1835 by President Andrew Jackson, hero of the battle of New Orleans. The bill that Jackson signed also authorized the mints at Charlotte and Dahlonega. William Strickland, a Philadelphia architect designed all three branch mint buildings. The New Orleans Mint building was made in the solid, bulky Greek Revival style of architecture. It was the largest of the three branch mints and located at major port of entry. Unfortunately Strickland did not account for the soft ground around the site. Because of it, the building had to undergo numerous repairs throughout its history.

There were five varieties of the Seated Liberty half dollar. Type 1, 1839-1853 and 1856-1866 has no motto above the eagle. Later IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse.