1837-1873 Seated Liberty Half Dime

The main difference between a nickel and a half-dime or “half-disme” is the fact that this 5-cent piece was not made from nickel. The half dime was one of the original US Mint coins ever made, beginning in 1792 and used until the nickel-composed 5-cent piece replaced the silver half dime issue in 1873. The Seated Liberty Half dime was the final silver half dime. Previous designs included the Bust Half Dime (1792), which was followed by the Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794-1795), the Draped Bust Half Dime (1796-1805), and Capped Bust Half Dime (1829-1837).

As the name of this silver coin suggests, this design features Lady Liberty perched atop a seat or stones. As designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the US Mint, Liberty bears a pole and a shield. First struck in 1837, the Seated half dime contains 90% silver but its weight varies. First, the authorization called for half dimes struck at “20.625 grains” or about 1.34 grams. Coins from 1837-1852 were this weight. The Seated half dime coins from 1853-1855 weighed about 1.24 grams. These are still highly collected and coveted coins, especially the elusive 1860 editions and few New Orleans Mint issues. 

Historic Facts About The Seated Liberty Half Dime

The Philadelphia Mint created proof editions of this coin in great amounts beginning in 1860. However, the New Orleans Mint quickly ceased production of this and other US coinage once the Civil War began. In fact, Confederate hands took over the mint to create coinage for the new territory.

Later on, the San Francisco Mint started to produce the Seated half dimes with its S mintmark in 1863. In fact, the 1863-1870 half dimes all have low mintage numbers. This greatly increases the value of the Seated Liberty half dimes. Interestingly, the 1870-S Seated Liberty half dime is a mystery today because the San Francisco Mint had six pairs of obverse and reverse dies for this program. However, only one coin came out from these dies. 

The Seated Liberty half dime’s final year was 1873. Congress motioned to update the entire coinage system. Eliminating the Seated half dime served as progress for the nickel 5-cent piece to replace the half dime with a cheaper substance: the nickel. 

Seated Liberty Half Dime Design History

Since the Seated Liberty half dime lasted nearly four decades, it underwent certain redesigns. The first issue did not feature a star border around Liberty, but this was added in 1838. For the most part, the design of this coin did not change much, however, its changes are still notable. Here is an example where the “1” is different on two coin issues:

Also starting in 1838, a different mint struck the Seated Liberty half dime. The former New Orleans Mint produced this edition, as indicated by the O mintmark found on these coins. San Francisco also manufactured the Seated Liberty half dime starting in 1863, with the S mintmark. You can find these mintmarks within or below the wreath on the reverse.

Another variation can first be noticed on the 1853 Seated Liberty half dime. This particular release debuted with arrowheads around the year of mintage. The specific purpose of this was to remark upon the reduced weight of the 1853 Seated Liberty half dime. From this year onward, these coins were only “19.2 grains,” more commonly understood as 1.24 grams. This silver weight loss prompted collectors to hoard the previous silver Seated half dimes. So, the US Mint responded by producing more of the arrowhead coins to replace the ones vanishing from circulation. 

It is worth noting that there is a raised dot appearing below the date on the 1853 Seated Liberty half dime. As of this writing, there is no indication as to why this dot appeared. Other modifications were not prompted by great historical significance. The same design was mostly retained until the US coinage system began to shift into the beginnings of our modern coins in 1873. That being said, former Mint designer James B Longacre’s new Cereal Wreath change in 1860 remains the most significant update for the Seated half dime.

Mintmarks on the Seated Half Dime

The Seated Liberty half dime program has multiple specific types that single out distinctive coin groups. These groups are not only broken down by year but also by mintmark. Coins made by the Philadelphia Mint in this program have no mintmark. The San Francisco or New Orleans minted Seated half dimes will bear either an “S'' or “O” mintmark, respectively. When you are looking for the mintmark, be sure to look both above and below the wreath on the reverse. Also, pay close attention to the year of mintage for your Seated Liberty Half Dime!

Seated Liberty Half Dime Designs

Type 1 - No Stars (1837-1838)

Type 1 Seated Half Dime Value: Between $40 - over $1,000 USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.34 grams

Type 2 - Stars on Obverse - No Drapery (1838-1853)

Type 2 Seated Liberty Half Dime Value: Between $20 to over $2,000+ USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.34 grams

Type 2 - Stars With Drapery on Obverse (1841-1853)

Type 2 Seated Half Dime Value: Between $20 to over $13,000+ USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.34 grams

Type 3 - Arrows at Date (1853-1855)

Type 3 Seated Liberty Half Dime Value: Between $20 to over $26,000+ USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.24 grams

Type 2 Resumed - Stars and Drapery on Obverse (1856-1859)

Type 2 Seated Half Dime Value: Between $20 to almost $5,000 USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.24 grams

Transitional Patterns (1859-1860)

Transitional Patterns Seated Liberty Half Dime Value: Between $4,000 to $37,000+ USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.24 grams

Type 4 - Legend on Obverse (1860-1873)

Type 4 Seated Half Dime Value: Between $4,000 to $2,200+ USD

Designer - Engraver: Christian Gobrecht Metal Composition: 90% Silver - 10% Copper

Diameter: 15.5 mm Mass / Weight: 1.24 grams

**Images from usacoinbook.com

What is the Value of a Seated Liberty Half Dime?

Depending on the Seated half dime’s condition, year, and minting location, its value is highly subject to change. Since there are many variations, even slight, the price of one coin does not necessarily reflect the value of another. That being said, if you find a Seated Liberty half dime, make sure you only buy from reputable dealers. 

Take an example of one Seated half dime over another: the 1853 Seated Half Dime with an O mintmark might only be worth $10, but the 1853 Seated Half Dime sans arrowheads might trade for over $1500. 

Having your Seated Half Dime graded by PCGS or NGC can not only authenticate your coin’s condition but also validate its worth. Both companies will analyze the coin’s prevalence and condition to carefully determine its price. To get a high grade on your Seated Liberty half dime requires the coin’s physical attributes and details to be in great shape with little-to-no signs of damage or wear.