1856-O Seated Liberty Dime (1837-1891)
FS-2301
Key Features
FS-2301: Repunched Date - bold repunching above the 56 digits, rusted obverse die [Cross-ref: F-105] Source: http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/date_mintmark/1856o_105page.htm Embodying Christian Gobrecht's classic motif, this run tracked early expansion, the Hard Times economic cycle, and the Civil War.
Intriguing History
In 1856, sectional tensions over slavery were pushing the country toward crisis -- the Dred Scott decision, the Panic of 1857, and violent conflict in "Bleeding Kansas" all unfolded in these years, while the Mint retired the old large copper cent for a smaller, more efficient coin. This Seated Liberty dime, Christian Gobrecht's design that anchored small silver coinage for over half a century, was struck during exactly this period. This one came from the New Orleans Mint, the Mint's southern branch on the Mississippi River.