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Liberty Seated Half Dimes (1837-1873)
LIBERTY SEATED HALF DIME
In 1837, Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Seated design made its appearance. Specimens of the
Liberty Seated motif, without stars on the obverse, were coined in 1837 at the Philadelphia Mint
and in 1838 at the New Orleans facility.
In the following year, 1838, stars were added to the obverse. This design continued through 1859.
Examples dated 1853-1855 show arrowheads to each side of the date, symbolizing the weight
reduction which first took effect at that time. The curious 1858 over inverted date variety can
probably be attributed to James B. Longacre's carelessness. The date was first punched into the
die upside down, and then it was corrected.
In 1860, the standard design for circulation was modified. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was
transferred from the reverse to the obverse. The wreath on the reverse and certain other features
were changed as well. This style remained in effect until the last year of half dime coinage, 1873.
Among these later half dimes are several scarce varieties, including Philadelphia Mint issues 1863
through 1867 inclusive. San Francisco Mint coins of the period 1863-1869 are quite scarce in
higher grades. The 1870-S half dime is unique; only one exists.
In 1872 two half dime varieties were created at the San Francisco Mint, one with a mintmark above
the wreath bow and the other with the mintmark below.
Liberty Seated motif, without stars on the obverse, were coined in 1837 at the Philadelphia Mint
and in 1838 at the New Orleans facility.
In the following year, 1838, stars were added to the obverse. This design continued through 1859.
Examples dated 1853-1855 show arrowheads to each side of the date, symbolizing the weight
reduction which first took effect at that time. The curious 1858 over inverted date variety can
probably be attributed to James B. Longacre's carelessness. The date was first punched into the
die upside down, and then it was corrected.
In 1860, the standard design for circulation was modified. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was
transferred from the reverse to the obverse. The wreath on the reverse and certain other features
were changed as well. This style remained in effect until the last year of half dime coinage, 1873.
Among these later half dimes are several scarce varieties, including Philadelphia Mint issues 1863
through 1867 inclusive. San Francisco Mint coins of the period 1863-1869 are quite scarce in
higher grades. The 1870-S half dime is unique; only one exists.
In 1872 two half dime varieties were created at the San Francisco Mint, one with a mintmark above
the wreath bow and the other with the mintmark below.
1-877-261-6869
Reference Works
Over the years a number of monographs and books have been devoted to the half dime series, among which are the following:
Breen, Walter H. United States Half Dimes: A Supplement. New York: Wayte Raymond, 1958.
Breen, Walter H. Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Co New York: Doubleday, 1988.
Blythe, Al. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dimes. Virginia Beach, VA: DLRC Press, 1992.
Newlin, Harold P. The Early Half-Dimes of the United States. Philadelphia: Published b the author, 100 copies, 1883.
Valentine, Daniel W. The United States Half Dimes. New York, 1931.
Over the years a number of monographs and books have been devoted to the half dime series, among which are the following:
Breen, Walter H. United States Half Dimes: A Supplement. New York: Wayte Raymond, 1958.
Breen, Walter H. Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Co New York: Doubleday, 1988.
Blythe, Al. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dimes. Virginia Beach, VA: DLRC Press, 1992.
Newlin, Harold P. The Early Half-Dimes of the United States. Philadelphia: Published b the author, 100 copies, 1883.
Valentine, Daniel W. The United States Half Dimes. New York, 1931.
