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1839-1891 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

1839-1891 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

$79.95
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Buy Seated Liberty Half Dollar Online

It is unbelievable that any of these still exist! The Seated Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most difficult Half Dollars to get your hands on. They were minted from 1839-1891. When the California Gold Rush happened in 1848, the price of silver shot up. This caused people to ship these coins to the West Indies where they were destined to be melted down for their silver value. Very few were minted to begin with, so after many were melted down these pieces had just become more scarce. We are proud and excited to be able to offer you these large and historic silver pieces!

Each coin will be in circulated condition.

Specifications:

  • Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
  • Weight: 12.44 grams (0.4000 troy ounces)
  • Diameter: 30.6 mm (1.2 inches)
  • Thickness: 2.0 mm
  • Edge: Reeded

Design:

Obverse: The obverse features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield with her right hand and a Liberty cap on a pole with her left hand. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the shield.

Reverse: The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left talon. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs above, and the denomination "HALF DOL." is below.

Seated Liberty Half Dollar For Sale

The Seated Liberty Half Dollar, minted from 1839 to 1891, is a remarkable piece of American history and a highly sought-after coin for collectors. Here’s why this coin should be a part of your collection:

Historical Significance

  • Long Minting Period: The Seated Liberty Half Dollar was produced for over five decades, spanning significant events in American history including the Civil War, the California Gold Rush, and the Reconstruction era.
  • Design Evolution: Throughout its minting period, the coin underwent several design changes, reflecting the evolving artistry and technological advancements of the U.S. Mint.

Design and Composition

  • Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
  • Weight: 12.44 grams (0.4000 troy ounces)
  • Diameter: 30.6 mm (1.2 inches)
  • Edge: Reeded

Design Features

  • Obverse: The obverse features the iconic design of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield with her right hand and a Liberty cap on a pole with her left. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the shield.
  • Reverse: The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcs above, with the denomination "HALF DOL." below.

Variations and Rarity

  • Mint Marks: Seated Liberty Half Dollars were minted at several U.S. Mint locations, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC). Certain mint marks, especially Carson City, are particularly rare and valuable.
  • Key Dates and Varieties: Collectors highly prize specific dates and varieties, such as the 1853 with arrows and rays, or the low mintage years like 1878-CC.

Collectibility Potential

  • Seated Liberty Half Dollar Value: The Seated Liberty Half Dollar's long history and various design changes make it a fascinating series to collect. Its silver content also provides intrinsic value.
  • Condition and Grade: Coins in higher grades (e.g., Very Fine, Extremely Fine, or Mint State) can command significant premiums. Coins with clear details, minimal wear, and original luster are especially desirable.
  • Historical Appeal: Each coin is a tangible piece of 19th-century American history, offering a glimpse into the era it was minted.

The Seated Liberty Half Dollar is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of American heritage. Its combination of historical significance, beautiful design, and investment potential makes it a must-have for any serious coin collector. Whether you are drawn to its artistic beauty, its historical context, or its intrinsic value, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a coin that will enhance your collection and provide lasting enjoyment.

 

You may also like: 90% Silver Barber Half Dollar Circulated- Roll of 20, 1892 & 1916 Barber Quarter 2pc Set (First & Last), 90% Silver Barber Dime Circulated (Roll of 50).

Seated Liberty Half Dollar FAQ

The Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a U.S. coin minted from 1839 to 1891. It features the figure of Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, it was part of a broader series of Seated Liberty coins that included other denominations.

Obverse: Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield inscribed with "LIBERTY" in her right hand and a Liberty cap on a pole in her left hand.
Reverse: An eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "HALF DOL." below.

Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.44 grams (0.4000 troy ounces)
Diameter: 30.6 mm (1.2 inches)
Edge: Reeded

No Drapery (1839): Early issues with no drapery below Liberty’s left elbow.
With Drapery (1840-1891): Later issues with added drapery below Liberty’s left elbow.
Arrows and Rays (1853): Arrows at the date and rays around the eagle to indicate a weight reduction.
Arrows (1873-1874): Arrows at the date to indicate another change in weight.

1839 No Drapery: First year of issue and rare.
1853 Arrows and Rays: Unique one-year design change.
1870-CC: First Carson City issue, very rare.
1878-CC: Extremely low mintage, key date.
1856-S: Low mintage and desirable mint mark.

The value of a Seated Liberty Half Dollar varies based on its date, mint mark, and condition. Common dates in average condition may be worth around $20 to $100, while rare dates and high-grade coins can be worth several hundred to thousands of dollars.

The mint mark on a Seated Liberty Half Dollar is located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the eagle. Common mint marks include:

No mint mark: Philadelphia
O: New Orleans
S: San Francisco
CC: Carson City

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