The Seated Liberty Half Dime, minted from 1837 to 1873, marks the final era of the U.S. half dime before the introduction of the modern nickel. These tiny silver coins are rich in artistry, historical importance, and collecting appeal — representing decades of change in American culture, politics, and coin production.
From frontier trading posts to Civil War battlefields, these coins passed through American hands during a time of immense transformation. Today, they offer collectors an accessible and significant piece of U.S. numismatic history.
Quick Facts
- Years minted: 1837–1873
- Designer: Christian Gobrecht
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 1.34 grams
- Diameter: 15.5 mm
- Mint locations: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco
Design Features
Obverse
This U.S. Mint coin features the iconic Seated Liberty figure — Lady Liberty sits on a rock, holding a shield in one hand and a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap the other. This design became standard for U.S. silver coinage throughout much of the 19th century.
- 1837–1838: No stars around Liberty
- 1838 onward: 13 stars added along the rim
Reverse
The reverse shows a simple yet elegant wreath encircling the words “HALF DIME”, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the edge.
Note: Unlike later denominations, the Seated Liberty Half Dime never featured an eagle on the reverse.
Major Design Subtypes
The Seated Liberty Half Dime went through several design modifications during its 36-year run. Here’s a breakdown of the key types:
- No Stars on Obverse (1837–1838)
- Clean field around Liberty; early minimalist look
- Minted only in Philadelphia and New Orleans
- Stars on Obverse (1838–1859)
- 13 stars surround Liberty
- Subtle refinements in Liberty’s figure over the years
- Arrows at Date (1853–1855, 1873 only)
- Indicates a weight change in 1853 (from 1.34g to 1.24g)
- 1873 arrows mark final year of the series
- Legend Obverse (1860–1873)
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” moved to the obverse
- Reverse simplified with just the wreath and denomination
- A more modern and cleaner design
Mintmarks and Locations
The Seated Liberty Half Dime was produced at multiple mints, and mintmarks appear below the wreath on the reverse (or above, depending on year):
- No mintmark: Philadelphia
- O: New Orleans
- S: San Francisco (first issued in 1863)
These variations allow for rich collecting possibilities, with many years offering multiple mintmark options.
Key Dates & Collector Favorites
- 1837 No Stars – First year of issue; popular type coin
- 1846 – Rare date with low mintage (~27,000)
- 1853 With Arrows – Marks a weight reduction; easy to identify
- 1865–1870 San Francisco Issues – Scarce in higher grades
- 1873 With Arrows – Final year; lower mintage
Collector Value (2025 Market Estimates)
| Grade | Common Dates (e.g., 1857, 1861) | Scarce Dates (e.g., 1846, 1873) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25–$60 | $200–$1,000+ |
| Fine (F-12) | $50–$100 | $500–$2,000+ |
| Extremely Fine | $100–$250 | $1,000–$4,000+ |
| Mint State (MS) | $300–$1,000+ | $5,000+ for top rarities |
Coins with original toning, sharp strikes, and minimal cleaning carry the highest premiums.
Why Collect Seated Liberty Half Dimes?
- ✅ Affordable classic silver – Many dates are within reach for under $100
- ✅ Deep historical context – Minted through the Mexican-American War, Civil War, and Reconstruction
- ✅ End of an era – Final five-cent silver coin before the U.S. nickel took over in 1866
- ✅ Mint variety – Multiple mints, arrows, and design changes create collecting depth
Tips for Collectors
- Start with type coins – 1837 (no stars), 1853 (with arrows), and 1861 (common legend type) are great starter pieces.
- Beware of cleaned coins – Original surfaces and toning are key to long-term value.
- Track mintmarks – Try building a mintmark set (P, O, S) for a fun challenge.
- Grade carefully – Strike quality varies year to year; learn to distinguish weak strikes from wear.
Final Thoughts
The Seated Liberty Half Dime is a small coin with a big story — a final salute to America’s silver half dimes and a reflection of a changing nation. Whether you’re looking for a starter silver coin or aiming to complete a full date-and-mint set, this series offers history, beauty, and value in a compact form.
Collecting these coins connects you to a time when five cents could buy a meal — and when artistry still reigned supreme in pocket change.
If you’re looking to buy silver or sell silver, be sure to reach out to the shop. We also have rare coins in stock such as the Standing Liberty half dime. We have a wide selection of rare silver coins, give us a call today to learn more.
