The Seated Liberty Half Dime, minted from 1837 to 1873, is an essential piece of American numismatic history. Unlike today’s nickel, the half-dime, or “half-disme,” was made of silver. This 5-cent coin played a significant role in early U.S. coinage, beginning in 1792 with various designs evolving until it was fully replaced by the nickel-composed 5-cent piece in 1873. The Seated Liberty Half Dime was the last silver half dime, following previous designs like the Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794-1795), Draped Bust Half Dime (1796-1805), and Capped Bust Half Dime (1829-1837).
Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed the Seated Liberty Half Dime. The coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a liberty cap in one hand and a shield in the other. The initial coins struck in 1837 weighed about 1.34 grams and were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. From 1853 to 1855, the weight was reduced to 1.24 grams to adapt to the changing economic conditions and preserve silver.
The Seated Liberty Half Dime’s history is marked by significant events and changes. During the Civil War, the New Orleans Mint, which produced some of these coins, was taken over by Confederate forces. The Philadelphia Mint began producing proof editions in large quantities starting in 1860. The San Francisco Mint also produced Seated Liberty Half Dimes from 1863, with low mintages increasing their value. Notably, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Half Dime is shrouded in mystery as only one coin from the six pairs of dies is known to exist.
Over its nearly four-decade production span, the Seated Liberty Half Dime underwent several design changes:
Coin images sourced from: National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History
Seated Liberty Half Dimes were produced at multiple mints, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (“O”), and San Francisco (“S”). The presence of these mint marks, along with the coin’s condition and year, significantly affects its value. For instance, the 1853 Seated Half Dime with an “O” mint mark might only be worth $10, while an 1853 without arrowheads could trade for over $1,500.
The value of Seated Liberty Half Dimes varies widely based on their condition, year, and mint mark. For example:
Having these coins graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) can authenticate their condition and validate their worth. Coins in excellent condition with minimal wear and clear details typically fetch higher prices.
Seated Liberty Half Dimes are a treasure for collectors due to their historical significance, diverse designs, and variations. As these coins age, their scarcity and value are likely to increase, making them a fantastic addition to any collection. For accurate valuation and authentication, it is advisable to seek professional grading from reputable services like PCGS or NGC. At Bullion Hunters, we offer expert advice and a wide selection of collectible coins. Explore our inventory and enhance your collection with an exciting piece of U.S. coinage history.