The coin in question is a Seated Liberty Half Dime, minted in 1856 at the Philadelphia Mint, indicated by the 'P' mint mark. This particular piece is notable for being a proof format, which marks it as a special edition typically struck with higher quality standards than standard coins. Weighing 1.24 grams and with a diameter of 15.5 millimeters, this coin is composed of silver, representing a denomination of 5 cents—often referred to as a half dime in historical terms. As it is classified under the series of Seated Liberty coins, it features the well-known design that showcases Liberty seated on a rock, a symbol of freedom and strength. Given that its mintage is listed as '0', this suggests that it is an extremely rare coin, possibly indicating that no proof examples were actually produced for that year, increasing its desirability among collectors. With its historical significance and rarity, this 1856 Seated Liberty Half Dime is not just a piece of currency but a valuable artifact of American numismatic history. Collectors and enthusiasts alike would likely place a high value on this coin for its unique characteristics and the prestige it carries within the collectible coin community.
