1856 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1856 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. 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 a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.4 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints. The Seated Liberty Half Dollar was produced over more than 50 years across multiple subtypes reflecting weight changes and motto additions. The obverse modifications mirror those of the quarter: No Motto, Arrows and Rays, Arrows only, Motto, and final Arrows period. Carson City Mint issues are especially sought after. The 1878-S is a condition rarity, and the 1853-O "No Arrows" is extremely rare with only four known.