1859 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
$29,900 MS68 01-09-2005 Bowers & Merena
Description
A dime from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1859 Seated Liberty Half Dime belongs to the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of 340,000, this is a scarce issue — 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 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. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $32 to $529 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 #4371.
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