HALF DIME 1838-1859 Liberty Seated, With Stars

Description

In 1838 it appears night has fallen around Miss Liberty. Stars were added to the obverse of the Liberty Seated design. Otherwise, the motif is similar to the 1837 and 1838-0 Liberty Seated pieces. From 1838 through 1859 many different varieties were produced, including some struck at the New Orleans Mint (and bearing a distinctive 0 mintmark on the reverse). Early issues lack drapery at Miss Liberty's elbow.

The 1846, 1849-0, and 1853-0 without arrows at date, are the most rare dates. But, there are enough common varieties that it is not difficult to acquire an example in Good to Very Fine preservation at reasonable cost. Extremely Fine coins abound, and AU examples can be obtained easily. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and higher echelon Uncirculated coins are scarcer yet.

Valuation

Although the general Liberty Seated type with obverse stars was minted from 1838 through 1859, certain specimens of 1853 and all of those dated 1854 and 1855 were produced with arrowheads at the date and represent a distinctive type.

COIN NAME
HALF DIME 1838-1859 Liberty Seated, With Stars: DESIGNED BY
Christian Gobrecht: ISSUE DATE
1838-1859: COMPOSITION
.900 silver, .100 copper: DIAMETER
15.5 mm: WEIGHT
20.625 grains 1838 to 1853 No Arrows; 19.2 grains later: EDGE
Reeded: BUS MINT
42,705,774: PROOF MINT
Fewer than 1,500 pieces

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