1864 Seated Liberty Half Dollar - Ma-Bo 59D Masonic Temple Sir Kt. RH Carleton

Coin Details

Description

Seated Liberty half dollar overstruck with a Masonic design, produced in Boston during the Civil War era. These pieces were created by counterstamping or overstriking U.S. silver half dollars with Masonic lodge imagery, combining numismatic interest with fraternal significance. The Masonic Temple in Boston was a prominent civic landmark, and Masonic lodges played significant roles in Northern civic and military life during the war. Cataloged as Marvin-Bolen 59D. The host coin — a Seated Liberty half dollar — adds intrinsic silver value to the numismatic premium. Token production was centered in New York City, which accounted for over half of all Civil War tokens. Additional manufacturers operated in Waterbury, Connecticut; Cincinnati, Ohio; and other Northern cities with die-sinking and metalworking capabilities. These tokens are tangible artifacts of the wartime economy, preserving the patriotic sentiments and commercial ingenuity of the Northern home front.

Rarity Notes

Marvin-Bolen 59D. Masonic overstrike half dollars are scarce, combining Civil War token, Masonic numismatics, and Seated Liberty half dollar collecting specialties.

Cross References

Marvin-Bolen 59D