Liberty Seated Half Dimes (1837-1873)

The Liberty Seated design by Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht made its debut in 1837. Philadelphia Mint Liberty Seated half dimes dated 1837 and New Orleans half dimes of 1838 had no stars on the obverse. The reverse design featured the inscription HALF DIME within a wreath.

Beginning in 1838 stars were added to the obverse, and were used through 1859. Part way through the year 1853 and continuing through 1855, arrows were added to the sides of the date to signify a slight reduction in the authorized weight of the denomination. In 1860 the obverse stars were discontinued, and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appeared around the border of the Liberty Seated design. The reverse wreath was modified to a heavier and more ornate design. This style was utilized through 1873, when the half dime denomination was abolished.

Liberty Seated half dimes are very collectible, and with the exception of the 1870-S, of which just one is known, all are readily available, although a dozen or more varieties are rarities in Mint State. A pleasant pursuit is the building of a half dime collection in high circulated grades, such as Extremely Fine or AU, with the addition of occasional Uncirculated and Proof pieces. Over the years I have handled a number of important half dime holdings, including the Montgomery and Levine collections and, in the late 1980s, the unique 1870-S, formerly the property of John Abbott, which was purchased by dealer Martin Paul, who added it to his superb set of the denomination. Later, the coin passed to Jay Parino.

Budget Recommendations: Build a type set or date and mintmark set in G-4 to VG-8 grade. Even the rarities are inexpensive in these states of preservation.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Forming a basic type set of designs is a good way to start. I suggest EF-40 to MS-60 if you want to get a lot of coins for the money. MS-63 and MS-64 specimens offer excellent possibilities. A set of dates and mintmarks is another interesting challenge. A nicely matched EF-40 set is inexpensive, save for a few issues. The specialist with a good bank account may wish to try for MS-63, but several issues of the 1840s will be nearly impossible to find (making it all the more interesting if some of them are found).

Elite Recommendations: Build a type set or date and mintmark set with MS-65 as a goal, except for Philadelphia Mint coins 1858-1873 in Proof-65 finish. However, as noted above, certain issues of the 1840s are not available in MS-65 grade, therefore lesser pieces will have to be purchased, perhaps under a plan of buying MS-60 or better, as found, and upgrading later as possibilities occur.