1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar
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
$18,975 MS66 12-08-2011 Heritage Auctions
Description
Part of the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series, the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a half dollar from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 2.9 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 5 variants, accounting for 27% of the year's 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 a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Confederate and Union forces both struck half dollars at New Orleans, making 1861-O provenance significant. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $83 to $1.5K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.4 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6302.
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