Seated Liberty Half Dollar Value
1839–1891 · 50¢ · 90% silver, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $30.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $60.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $150.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $600.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,800 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $9,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1853-O No Arrows | Only 4 known — one of the rarest US coins | $100,000–$1,000,000+ |
| 1878-S | Only 12,000 minted — key to the series | $200–$10,000 |
| 1855-S | First San Francisco half dollar, very low mintage | $300–$5,000 |
| 1861-O CSA | Struck under Confederate authority — historical rarity | $2,000–$50,000 |
| 1866-S No Motto | Transitional issue without IN GOD WE TRUST | $300–$15,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Christian Gobrecht
- Years
- 1839–1891
- Denomination
- 50¢
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 30.6 mm
- Weight
- 12.44 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Seated Liberty Half Dollar: History & Background
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar was struck for over fifty years, making it one of the longest-running designs in US coinage history. The obverse features Lady Liberty seated on a rock holding a liberty cap on a pole with a shield at her side. Several design modifications occurred during its run, including the addition of arrows at the date in 1853 to denote a weight change, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST added above the eagle in 1866. Mintages were especially low during the Civil War years, producing some of the most valuable dates in the series. The coin was replaced by the Barber Half Dollar in 1892.
How to Grade a Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →