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1854 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1854

Denomination

Half Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891

Designer

Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Mintage

2,982,000

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

12.4g

Diameter

30mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$83 - $1,901

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $31,200
Sold: 29 April 2018
Grade: MS66
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1854 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a half dollar in the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 3.0 million examples, making this the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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 and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $83 to $1.9K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.44 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6279.