Seated Liberty Half Dollar Values
How Much Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1839 | (None) Phil | No Drapery | -- | $498 | $664 | $1,234 | $2,725 | $3,815 | $10,650 | $27,800 | $49,225 | $156,800 | $231,000 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Drapery | -- | $91 | $119 | $204 | $432 | $705 | $2,240 | $4,450 | $6,550 | $22,400 | -- |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small Letters | -- | $140 | $161 | $208 | $390 | $545 | $1,190 | $2,130 | $3,845 | $10,375 | $22,400 |
| 1840 | O | Medium Letters | -- | $468 | $830 | $1,065 | $2,005 | $2,905 | $6,720 | $11,200 | $15,900 | $70,250 | -- |
| 1840 | O | -- | -- | $93 | $132 | $215 | $363 | $507 | $2,365 | $5,975 | $17,995 | $20,750 | $44,250 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $104 | $140 | $208 | $440 | $703 | $1,535 | $3,265 | $5,450 | $12,175 | -- |
| 1841 | O | -- | -- | $104 | $140 | $209 | $493 | $858 | $1,660 | $3,568 | $6,225 | $14,250 | $26,000 |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Rev of 1842 | -- | $125 | $161 | $202 | $346 | $637 | $1,770 | $3,568 | $5,063 | $13,275 | -- |
| 1842 | O | Small Date, Rev 1839 | -- | $1,273 | $1,715 | $2,365 | $3,900 | $7,440 | $17,150 | $27,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Medium Date | -- | $83 | $104 | $143 | $244 | $468 | $1,245 | $2,365 | $3,210 | $9,169 | $26,000 |
| 1842 | O | Medium Date, Rev 1842 | -- | $68 | $93 | $135 | $410 | $783 | $2,600 | $5,560 | $7,388 | $20,750 | $28,600 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $115 | $283 | $446 | $1,063 | $2,310 | $3,363 | $7,300 | $18,400 |
| 1843 | O | -- | -- | $83 | $101 | $119 | $274 | $473 | $1,660 | $3,540 | $8,575 | $22,700 | $27,995 |
| 1844 | O | Doubled Date | -- | $1,093 | $1,453 | $2,005 | $3,735 | $5,615 | $7,635 | $20,750 | $44,250 | -- | -- |
| 1844 | O | -- | -- | $69 | $104 | $162 | $346 | $559 | $1,895 | $3,650 | $5,475 | $13,550 | -- |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $86 | $136 | $260 | $387 | $935 | $2,130 | $24,995 | $8,250 | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $100 | $137 | $202 | $498 | $780 | $1,660 | $4,425 | $10,650 | -- | -- |
| 1845 | O | -- | -- | $83 | $101 | $143 | $288 | $532 | $1,065 | $3,485 | $6,340 | $8,575 | $22,125 |
| 1845 | O | No Drapery | -- | $130 | $169 | $208 | $595 | $872 | $1,953 | $4,675 | $7,000 | -- | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Medium Date | -- | $66 | $82 | $103 | $258 | $473 | $1,079 | $2,185 | $5,200 | $13,000 | $17,600 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Tall Date | -- | $155 | $220 | $299 | $390 | $507 | $1,453 | $2,600 | $5,475 | $20,750 | $29,875 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | 6/Horizontal 6 | -- | $415 | $623 | $1,093 | $2,200 | $3,015 | $5,450 | $8,960 | $42,495 | $15,400 | -- |
| 1846 | O | Medium Date | -- | $83 | $128 | $184 | $490 | $545 | $2,130 | $5,200 | $7,550 | $21,850 | -- |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $85 | $107 | $148 | $255 | $415 | $988 | $2,490 | $3,900 | $7,413 | $15,075 |
| 1847 | O | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $119 | $283 | $495 | $1,383 | $3,950 | $9,625 | $16,600 | $27,695 |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $89 | $143 | $213 | $402 | $753 | $1,550 | $3,070 | $4,150 | $15,350 | -- |
| 1848 | O | -- | -- | $66 | $91 | $141 | $332 | $617 | $1,563 | $2,600 | $5,060 | $32,900 | $44,250 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $83 | $99 | $143 | $258 | $479 | $1,190 | $2,490 | $4,315 | $14,525 | -- |
| 1849 | O | -- | -- | $82 | $101 | $161 | $470 | $808 | $1,480 | $3,125 | $5,090 | $21,850 | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $623 | $728 | $858 | $1,065 | $1,378 | $2,185 | $4,260 | $8,300 | $33,750 | $65,000 |
| 1850 | O | -- | -- | $76 | $94 | $137 | $297 | $440 | $1,065 | $2,130 | $3,540 | $13,425 | $31,250 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,013 | $1,195 | $1,480 | $2,260 | $2,600 | $3,900 | $5,090 | $6,530 | $12,340 | $41,500 |
| 1851 | O | -- | -- | $122 | $182 | $258 | $534 | $849 | $1,535 | $3,540 | $4,620 | $10,375 | $26,000 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $700 | $880 | $1,195 | $2,075 | $2,545 | $3,790 | $4,950 | $6,638 | $13,700 | $20,900 |
| 1852 | O | -- | -- | $628 | $780 | $963 | $1,605 | $2,365 | $4,730 | $13,550 | $22,950 | $47,300 | -- |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $105 | $140 | $180 | $400 | $569 | $1,585 | $3,900 | $5,090 | $24,200 | $56,700 |
| 1853 | O | -- | -- | $100 | $140 | $180 | $548 | $1,038 | $3,375 | $7,275 | $14,800 | $56,700 | -- |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $69 | $87 | $117 | $212 | $319 | $748 | $1,425 | $2,130 | $8,100 | $15,975 |
| 1854 | O | -- | -- | $85 | $87 | $117 | $200 | $319 | $748 | $1,425 | $2,130 | $6,780 | $13,363 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $69 | $87 | $117 | $220 | $404 | $1,065 | $2,270 | $3,570 | $12,400 | $34,850 |
| 1855/54 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $169 | $234 | $365 | $562 | $940 | $2,185 | $4,010 | $5,725 | $13,000 | $27,100 |
| 1855 | O | -- | -- | $69 | $87 | $117 | $212 | $319 | $748 | $1,480 | $2,130 | $16,495 | $16,495 |
| 1855 | S | -- | -- | $1,173 | $1,355 | $1,770 | $3,900 | $6,250 | $36,500 | $60,000 | $78,000 | $82,500 | $110,000 |
| 1856 | S | -- | -- | $285 | $468 | $637 | $1,412 | $2,172 | $5,725 | $11,063 | $28,500 | -- | -- |
| 1856 | O | -- | -- | $65 | $85 | $112 | $213 | $342 | $728 | $1,645 | $2,170 | $4,675 | $8,075 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $103 | $194 | $320 | $700 | $1,508 | $3,375 | $6,500 | $11,775 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $80 | $103 | $194 | $320 | $667 | $1,398 | $1,950 | $4,664 | $7,525 |
| 1857 | O | -- | -- | $66 | $82 | $137 | $310 | $545 | $2,020 | $4,425 | $6,638 | $14,250 | $22,000 |
| 1857 | S | -- | -- | $285 | $415 | $545 | $1,300 | $2,630 | $4,900 | $13,263 | $21,300 | $41,500 | $80,250 |
| 1858 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $130 | $220 | $340 | $667 | $1,398 | $1,950 | $4,664 | $7,525 |
| 1858 | O | -- | -- | $64 | $100 | $103 | $194 | $320 | $667 | $1,480 | $2,600 | $9,125 | $21,850 |
| 1858 | S | -- | -- | $114 | $155 | $259 | $452 | $825 | $2,130 | $4,813 | $8,025 | $15,500 | $39,300 |
| 1859 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $103 | $194 | $320 | $667 | $1,398 | $1,950 | $4,664 | $7,525 |
| 1859 | O | -- | -- | $85 | $83 | $340 | $194 | $334 | $803 | $2,380 | $3,763 | $8,850 | $17,150 |
| 1859 | S | -- | -- | $86 | $119 | $202 | $349 | $775 | $1,758 | $3,900 | $4,950 | $7,000 | $19,650 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $103 | $202 | $339 | $739 | $1,523 | $2,200 | $4,914 | $17,150 |
| 1860 | O | -- | -- | $64 | $82 | $111 | $211 | $339 | $755 | $1,425 | $1,950 | $5,225 | $21,150 |
| 1860 | S | -- | -- | $104 | $135 | $166 | $388 | $545 | $1,770 | $5,560 | $17,995 | -- | -- |
| 1861 | S | -- | -- | $81 | $119 | $168 | $454 | $830 | $1,425 | $3,540 | $5,975 | $23,500 | $35,400 |
| 1861 | O | -- | -- | $155 | $230 | $310 | $598 | $699 | $1,923 | $3,650 | $4,840 | $8,795 | $22,000 |
| 1861 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $64 | $83 | $112 | $235 | $369 | $755 | $1,535 | $2,005 | $4,664 | $7,525 |
| 1862 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $122 | $166 | $247 | $465 | $675 | $1,259 | $2,075 | $3,790 | $6,860 | $17,700 |
| 1862 | S | -- | -- | $91 | $114 | $182 | $310 | $493 | $1,453 | $2,905 | $6,500 | $29,600 | $47,300 |
| 1863 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $122 | $194 | $273 | $490 | $753 | $1,088 | $1,785 | $2,518 | $9,350 | $24,995 |
| 1863 | S | -- | -- | $101 | $140 | $202 | $338 | $545 | $1,480 | $2,185 | $6,030 | $17,025 | $19,250 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $137 | $194 | $352 | $609 | $885 | $1,743 | $2,545 | $3,790 | $7,413 | $13,275 |
| 1864 | S | -- | -- | $161 | $229 | $298 | $573 | $940 | $2,350 | $5,750 | $9,400 | $17,700 | $27,100 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $158 | $197 | $299 | $803 | $1,225 | $2,420 | $3,037 | $3,900 | $5,200 | $14,395 |
| 1865 | S | -- | -- | $184 | $226 | $291 | $637 | $885 | $2,600 | $4,675 | $10,650 | $31,000 | -- |
| 1866 | S | No Motto | -- | $808 | $913 | $1,134 | $2,075 | $3,085 | $9,900 | $17,150 | $31,250 | $85,750 | $127,250 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | Motto | -- | $83 | $99 | $125 | $288 | $388 | $830 | $2,033 | $3,500 | $5,918 | $9,963 |
| 1866 | S | Motto | -- | $91 | $122 | $190 | $316 | $493 | $1,480 | $3,070 | $3,900 | $13,275 | $23,650 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $104 | $166 | $255 | $352 | $639 | $1,245 | $2,130 | $3,845 | $7,550 | $10,650 |
| 1867 | S | -- | -- | $83 | $122 | $166 | $285 | $598 | $1,950 | $3,818 | $5,615 | $12,615 | $21,575 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $115 | $143 | $213 | $375 | $598 | $1,315 | $2,380 | $3,900 | $7,163 | $12,725 |
| 1868 | S | -- | -- | $73 | $110 | $193 | $325 | $437 | $1,660 | $3,525 | $5,420 | $13,275 | $21,850 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $83 | $101 | $119 | $266 | $396 | $858 | $1,660 | $4,400 | $14,525 | $38,750 |
| 1869 | S | -- | -- | $91 | $107 | $125 | $285 | $520 | $1,425 | $3,125 | $4,288 | $7,550 | $16,875 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $68 | $83 | $119 | $238 | $390 | $830 | $1,965 | $3,155 | $7,995 | $13,275 |
| 1870 | CC | -- | -- | $3,320 | $4,425 | $5,725 | $11,900 | $28,500 | $83,000 | $238,000 | $343,000 | -- | -- |
| 1870 | S | -- | -- | $117 | $155 | $208 | $534 | $858 | $2,710 | $4,840 | $10,210 | $77,500 | -- |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $66 | $82 | $101 | $182 | $296 | $830 | $1,605 | $2,490 | $5,200 | $8,300 |
| 1871 | CC | -- | -- | $1,190 | $1,605 | $2,240 | $4,010 | $6,610 | $34,300 | $90,750 | $150,750 | -- | -- |
| 1871 | S | -- | -- | $70 | $82 | $101 | $208 | $299 | $1,065 | $2,545 | $3,458 | $8,575 | $19,925 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $66 | $82 | $101 | $215 | $324 | $858 | $1,605 | $3,125 | $7,025 | $10,788 |
| 1872 | CC | -- | -- | $650 | $885 | $1,480 | $2,600 | $4,425 | $26,000 | $61,400 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1872 | S | -- | -- | $78 | $147 | $208 | $363 | $725 | $2,130 | $3,955 | $5,338 | $15,350 | $22,950 |
| 1873 | S | Arrows | -- | $182 | $234 | $285 | $725 | $1,108 | $3,680 | $8,850 | $17,975 | $32,900 | -- |
| 1873 | CC | Arrows | -- | $620 | $775 | $1,115 | $2,380 | $3,458 | $9,125 | $17,700 | $34,000 | $55,300 | $88,500 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Arrows | -- | $77 | $97 | $119 | $310 | $493 | $1,118 | $2,130 | $3,180 | $14,100 | $28,500 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | No Arrows, Closed 3 | -- | $68 | $85 | $148 | $241 | $407 | $1,095 | $1,990 | $3,290 | $6,500 | -- |
| 1873 | CC | No Arrows | -- | $700 | $1,245 | $2,005 | $3,790 | $6,250 | $13,275 | $34,850 | $53,375 | $91,250 | $122,500 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $77 | $97 | $119 | $310 | $493 | $1,118 | $2,130 | $3,180 | $14,100 | $39,995 |
| 1874 | CC | -- | -- | $2,200 | $3,070 | $4,120 | $6,500 | $8,130 | $17,425 | $33,050 | $66,495 | $89,650 | $113,700 |
| 1874 | S | -- | -- | $208 | $249 | $285 | $440 | $742 | $1,743 | $3,515 | $6,170 | $20,900 | $83,495 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $66 | $82 | $101 | $168 | $266 | $543 | $972 | $1,460 | $3,513 | $8,075 |
| 1875 | CC | -- | -- | $179 | $296 | $462 | $885 | $1,300 | $2,365 | $3,690 | $5,560 | $8,163 | $34,875 |
| 1875 | S | -- | -- | $66 | $82 | $101 | $168 | $266 | $543 | $972 | $1,433 | $2,545 | $4,950 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $70 | $82 | $101 | $168 | $266 | $543 | $972 | $1,295 | $2,545 | $4,263 |
| 1876 | CC | -- | -- | $143 | $227 | $313 | $730 | $1,120 | $2,353 | $3,650 | $4,700 | $7,160 | $19,375 |
| 1876 | S | -- | -- | $66 | $140 | $101 | $168 | $266 | $570 | $1,093 | $1,825 | $4,010 | $8,575 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $80 | $82 | $101 | $168 | $266 | $543 | $972 | $1,295 | $2,545 | $5,445 |
| 1877 | CC | -- | -- | $132 | $171 | $249 | $390 | $545 | $1,480 | $2,655 | $4,700 | $6,525 | $10,650 |
| 1877 | S | -- | -- | $66 | $82 | $160 | $168 | $266 | $543 | $972 | $1,295 | $2,545 | $4,775 |
| 1878 | S | -- | -- | $48,400 | $54,200 | $62,500 | $79,650 | $87,400 | $116,750 | $146,850 | $221,250 | $265,500 | $356,750 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $104 | $140 | $158 | $288 | $374 | $570 | $1,300 | $2,325 | $4,840 | $13,125 |
| 1878 | CC | -- | -- | $1,770 | $2,573 | $3,070 | $4,955 | $5,730 | $14,250 | $20,820 | $35,400 | $55,600 | $72,600 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $402 | $493 | $584 | $794 | $963 | $1,273 | $1,785 | $2,255 | $3,513 | $5,618 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $452 | $557 | $648 | $858 | $988 | $1,323 | $2,020 | $2,490 | $3,900 | $7,475 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $477 | $582 | $673 | $908 | $1,038 | $1,648 | $2,090 | $2,795 | $5,200 | $6,250 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $451 | $617 | $750 | $960 | $1,101 | $1,455 | $2,295 | $2,710 | $4,480 | $8,625 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $523 | $650 | $783 | $1,120 | $1,250 | $1,613 | $2,185 | $3,070 | $4,288 | $8,889 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $515 | $657 | $848 | $1,058 | $1,163 | $1,373 | $2,130 | $2,850 | $5,200 | $7,800 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $557 | $620 | $698 | $908 | $1,090 | $1,450 | $2,075 | $2,960 | $4,288 | $9,825 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $584 | $712 | $839 | $1,108 | $1,263 | $1,523 | $2,130 | $2,600 | $4,425 | $5,200 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $402 | $493 | $584 | $983 | $1,075 | $1,298 | $1,715 | $2,365 | $3,568 | $6,250 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $402 | $493 | $634 | $960 | $1,190 | $1,550 | $2,795 | $3,210 | $4,150 | $8,460 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $452 | $543 | $634 | $817 | $1,038 | $1,403 | $1,868 | $2,435 | $4,315 | $7,275 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $91 | $148 | $182 | $272 | $402 | $734 | $1,425 | $2,090 | $3,900 | $6,250 |
Seated Liberty Half Dollar: A Symbol of 19th-Century America
Minted from 1839 to 1891, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar represents one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage. Created by Christian Gobrecht, this coin reflects a period of national expansion and industrial growth. Featuring an elegant depiction of Liberty seated upon a rock, the design underwent multiple modifications throughout its circulation, making it an exciting series for numismatists.
Evolution of the Seated Liberty Half Dollar
The introduction of the Seated Liberty Half Dollar in 1839 marked a major transition in American coinage, replacing the Capped Bust Half Dollar. Gobrecht’s neoclassical design was inspired by Britannia on British coinage but adapted to symbolize American freedom and strength.
The obverse features Lady Liberty seated, holding a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom. Her other hand rests on a shield inscribed with “LIBERTY” near her feet. The reverse displays a majestic eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, reinforcing the balance between peace and defense.
Throughout its 52-year history, the series saw several notable design adjustments, including:
- Arrows and Rays (1853) – Introduced to indicate a reduction in silver content.
- No Motto vs. Motto (1866) – “IN GOD WE TRUST” was added above the eagle following the Civil War.
- Arrows Only (1873-1874) – Used to mark another silver weight adjustment.
Why Collectors Pursue the Seated Liberty Half Dollar
With its long production span, numerous design variations, and historical significance, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar offers collectors a rewarding challenge. Finding well-preserved examples, especially from low-mintage years, remains a key focus in the numismatic community.
Collector’s Guide: Essential Considerations
- Where to Find Them: Available at coin auctions, numismatic conventions, and specialized dealers.
- Defining Features: Look for sharp strike details, original luster, and minimal wear, particularly on Liberty’s drapery and the eagle’s feathers.
- Preservation Advice: Store in temperature-controlled environments or certified holders to prevent toning and environmental damage.
The Most Coveted Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Among the rarest in the series is the 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar, with an incredibly low mintage of just 12,000 coins. Surviving examples in high grades command significant premiums, often reaching five- or six-figure sums.
Investment Potential of Seated Liberty Half Dollars
Due to its historical importance, variety of collectible subtypes, and silver content, this series remains a desirable investment. Key date coins and high-grade examples with original surfaces tend to appreciate steadily, offering strong returns for serious collectors. The silver content also makes it popular for its intrinsic value.
Key Dates and Scarce Varieties
Noteworthy issues include:
- 1853 Arrows & Rays – A one-year-only design signaling a change in silver weight. Arrows were placed on either side of the date on the obverse, and rays surround the eagle on the reverse.
- 1866 No Motto vs. Motto – The transition to including “IN GOD WE TRUST” makes both versions highly collectible.
- 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar – A key rarity with limited surviving specimens.
- Notable Errors: Look for double dies, misaligned strikes, and repunched mintmarks, which add unique value to certain coins.
Gobrecht’s Influence on American Coin Design
Christian Gobrecht’s Seated Liberty design became the standard for multiple U.S. denominations, influencing dimes, quarters, and dollars of the same era. Its enduring presence throughout the 19th century cemented its role as a defining image of American coinage.
Why Buy Seated Liberty Half Dollars?
With its rich history, multiple design variations, and silver content, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar remains a cornerstone of 19th-century numismatics. Whether acquired for its investment value, artistic appeal, or historical significance, this series continues to captivate collectors and investors alike.
