1859 (O) Seated Liberty Half Dime
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$14,400 MS67 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1859 (O) Seated Liberty Half Dime, struck at the New Orleans Mint, is part of the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 collection. With a mintage of 560,000, this is a less common issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 62% of production. 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 an agricultural wreath enclosing the denomination. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. The New Orleans Mint operated from 1838 to 1909, producing coins valued for their Southern historical provenance. Estimated market value ranges from $40 to $614 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 1.24 grams, 15.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4370.
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