The Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a historic and cherished coin that represents a significant period in American numismatics. Minted from 1839 to 1891, this silver half-dollar showcases an iconic design created by the U.S. Mint’s Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. With its rich history, multiple design variations, and connection to 19th-century American culture, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar remains a prized possession among collectors today.
The Origins of the Seated Liberty Design
The Seated Liberty motif was introduced during the late 1830s as part of a larger effort to standardize and modernize U.S. coinage. Before its release, the Capped Bust design had been the dominant style for half-dollars. However, the U.S. Mint sought to revamp the country’s coinage with a more classical and elegant design that reflected the nation’s growing identity.
Inspired by Britannia on British coins, Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht designed Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap (symbolizing freedom) in one hand and a shield with “LIBERTY” inscribed in the other. This depiction emphasized strength, vigilance, and the ideals of the young American republic.
Design Features of the Seated Liberty Half Dollar
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar was struck from 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 30.6 mm and a weight of 13.36 grams.
Obverse Design
- Features Lady Liberty sitting on a rock, holding a shield marked “LIBERTY.”
- In her left hand, she carries a pole topped with a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom.
- The design is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies.
- The date of mintage appears at the bottom.
Reverse Design
- Displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows—symbols of peace and military readiness.
- The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the eagle.
- Below the eagle is the denomination, “HALF DOL.”
- Coins minted after 1866 feature the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a scroll above the eagle.
Key Varieties and Modifications
Over its 52-year mintage period, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar underwent multiple modifications, resulting in notable varieties:
1. No Drapery (1839 Only)
- The earliest issues (1839) lacked extra folds of drapery extending from Lady Liberty’s left elbow.
- This version was quickly modified in late 1839 to include the drapery, making the No Drapery variety a rare collector’s item.
2. Arrows at Date (1853, 1873-1874)
- In 1853, the Mint reduced the coin’s weight from 13.36 grams to 12.44 grams to prevent silver hoarding. To indicate the change, small arrows were added on either side of the date.
- This modification was removed in 1856.
- In 1873-1874, arrows returned to the design when the weight was slightly increased again to 13.36 grams.
3. Motto Added (1866-1891)
- After the Civil War, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was added above the eagle on the reverse side.
- This was in response to increasing religious sentiment and pressure to include a national declaration of faith on U.S. coinage.
4. Carson City Mint Issues (1870-1878)
- Coins minted at the Carson City (CC) Mint are among the most sought-after due to their low mintage numbers and historical significance.
- The 1870-CC, 1871-CC, and 1878-CC issues are particularly rare and valuable.
Mintage and Collectibility
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar was struck at several mints, including:
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
- New Orleans (O)
- San Francisco (S)
- Carson City (CC)
Philadelphia-produced coins were the most common, while Carson City issues were struck in much smaller numbers. Many early Seated Liberty Half Dollars were melted down due to their high silver content, making surviving specimens particularly valuable today.
Rarity and Value
Some of the rarest and most valuable Seated Liberty Half Dollars include:
- 1839 No Drapery – Scarce first-year issue.
- 1853 Arrows & Rays – Unique design variation marking a weight change.
- 1870-CC – Extremely rare due to limited production.
- 1878-CC – The final Carson City half-dollar, with a low mintage of 62,000.
Prices for common-date circulated coins range from $50 to $300, while rare, high-grade pieces can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
The End of the Seated Liberty Half Dollar
By the late 19th century, the Seated Liberty design was seen as outdated. In 1892, it was replaced by the Barber Half Dollar, designed by Charles E. Barber. The transition marked the end of the longest-running half-dollar design in U.S. history at the time.
Conclusion
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar remains a symbol of 19th-century American history, reflecting the country’s growth, economic shifts, and evolving values. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner collector, this historic coin offers a window into the past and a piece of U.S. heritage worth preserving.
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