View All 1870 Seated Liberty Half Dime

1870 Seated Liberty Half Dime

Strike Type
1870 (P) Half Dime coin

Coin Details

Year
1870
Denomination
Half Dime
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
535,000
Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight
1.24g
Diameter
15.9mm
Edge
Reeded

Value Estimates

$32 - $500

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

$22,800 MS68 08-20-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1870 Seated Liberty Half Dime represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of 535,000, 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. The 1870-S is a legendary rarity — only one confirmed example, possibly struck for the San Francisco Mint cornerstone. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $32 to $500 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 #4396.

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