1870 (S) 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
$3,120,000 MS64 01-15-2023 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1870 (S) Seated Liberty Half Dime is a dime from the San Francisco Mint, belonging to the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of 1, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with less than 1% of total 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. The 1870-S is a legendary rarity — only one confirmed example, possibly struck for the San Francisco Mint cornerstone. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value is approximately $4373K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 1.24 grams, 15.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4397.
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