1862 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
$11,163 MS68 06-04-2014 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1862 Seated Liberty Half Dime is a dime produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of 1.5 million, this is a less common issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% 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. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $40 to $378 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 #4381.
