View All Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891

1889 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

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About This Coin

The 1889 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. In 1889, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 12,711. 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 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above it. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 5 years after the celebrated 1884 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $430 to $1.5K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $35K in PR67 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht.

Value Estimates

$430 - $1,545

Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.