1878 Proof 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
$35,250 PR68 05-12-2015 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1878 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. With a mintage of 800, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only 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 a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $1.4K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6439.
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