HALF DOLLAR 1838-1866 LIBERY SEATED
Description
Most interesting is the fact that this Half Dollar, as compared to the issue prior, was slightly larger by .6 mm in diameter. But, like other coins of the age, this coin began shrinking in total weight in the year 1854. The Liberty Seated motif, without motto on the reverse, was minted in the half dollar series from 1839 through 1866.
The obverse depicts Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding in her left hand a liberty cap on a pole and with her right hand holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars are above, and the date is below. The reverse is similar to the proceeding and consists of an eagle perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and HALF DOL. below. Numerous variations exist throughout the series, including the absence of drapery from Miss Liberty's elbow on certain issues, different sizes of reverse lettering, and different date numeral sizes. While there are some scarce issues within this span, there are enough common varieties that the numismatist will have no difficulty acquiring examples in grades from Good through Extremely Fine. AU coins likewise appear with frequency. Uncirculated pieces are scarcer, and superb Uncirculated coins are quite rare.
Valuation
- COIN NAME
- HALF DOLLAR 1838-1866 LIBERY SEATED
- DESIGNED BY
- Christian Gobrecht
- ISSUE DATE
- 1839-1866
- COMPOSITION
- 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
- DIAMETER
- 30.6 mm
- WEIGHT
- 206.25 grains 1839-1853; 192 grains later
- EDGE
- Reeded
- BUS MINT
- 76,238,285
- PROOF MINT
- Fewer than 5,500
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