1843 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dime

Coin Details

Auction Record

$69,000 PR67 07-01-2008 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1843 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dime is a proof dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of only 10, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right, while the reverse displays an agricultural wreath enclosing the denomination. Designed by Robert Ball Hughes/Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 1.34 grams, 15.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4419. The Seated Liberty Half Dime was the final five-cent silver coin. Transitional varieties with and without arrows at the date are collected by type. The 1870-S is a rarity with only one known example. New Orleans and San Francisco mint issues carry premiums.