Liberty Seated Half Dollars

1839 to 1855

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Liberty Seated Half Dollar varieties are attributed using Bill Bugert's multiple volume "A Register of Liberty Seated Half Dollar Varieties" and will be referenced as WB. Variety collectors are urged to add these Registers to their numismatic libraries.

There are 23 Coins for Sale. Most recent coin added on February 15, 2025

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 50C 1839 1839
Drapery
VF30
PCGS
85731291

Choice HOLD
$345
New February 16! Drapery Type, Crusty Gun Metal Gray Patina, Conservative Grading, Port Matilda Collection. An opportunity to acquire a strictly original 1839 Drapery half that is covered with thick gray patina. Please examine the images carefully as the grading appears to be quite conservative given the raised scroll edges. The 1839 half dollar issue is well known for being weakly struck on the reverse. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Immediately purchased upon being showcased in the Daily Blog.
Seated 50C 1839 1839
With Drapery
MS65
PCGS
32707208
WB-5
Gem $25500 New January 28! With Drapery, Gem Original, Newtown Collection, Ex. Pogue.. A stellar pedigree accompanies this Gem half dollar, which traces the coin to both the Pogue and Pryor collections. Although lacking the 1853-O No Arrows half, the Pryor collection included just about everything else, including an MS-64 1878-S and a complete, Mint State set of Carson City halves. A quick tilt of the present coin reveals blue and rose-copper patina, and the eye appeal is strong. A few stars are softly impressed, while most of the eagle claws are sharp. WB-5, with a die lump just beneath the drapery to the right side. This piece is tied for finest known at CAC, which notes 65 coins total, including five pieces certified at MS65 and no examples finer. Previously from the Pogue V sale (Stack’s Bowers, January 2017), lot 5027, where it sold for $21,150. Earlier from the Pryor collection, there sold by Bowers & Merena (January 1996), lot 98, at $3,080. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) PCGS holder with special Pogue label pedigree. The label reads D. Brent Pogue Collection, WB-102 Seated Drapery. Ex. GFRC January 2023, at $24,500. PCGS #6232.
Seated 50C 1839 1839
With Drapery
MS64 PCGS
3423500
WB-5
Choice $5000 With Drapery, Choice Original, Newtown Collection.. Thick, old-time toning covers both sides of this With Drapery example. The rims reveal deep olive and slate patina, while the centers exhibit light rose and grey color. Cartwheels are active on both sides and original Mint frost is readily apparent. WB-7, with arcing lines through the skirt. This is a remnant of the lathe lines imparted during the creation of die, which normally were smoothed out by hand. In this case, the engraver was a bit hasty. The left leg is softly impressed, which is common among earlier-date Seated halves. PCGS has certified 20 examples in MS64 with only five finer, all at MS65. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.0 (1998-2002) holder.
Seated 50C 1840(O) 1840-(O)
AU55 NGC
6771827002

Original $4600 New Orleans Medium Letters Reverse, No Mintmark, Late Die State, Osprey Collection. Consignor Price Reduction. A special high grade offering of the 1840(O) design type for the advanced collector. The 1840(O) die pairing is necessary for both date/mintmark and type sets resulting in significant demand. The ongoing challenge is locating a choice original specimen as many are well worn or have been molested. GFRC is excited to be offering a mid grade AU example with golden gun metal gray patina and steely fields. The limited wear allows insight into the die rust throughout Liberty's gown lines. Bright light inspection reveals reflective luster and some embedded gold. A 10x inspection revealed chatter in the right obverse field that precludes a GFRC-Choice quality rating. Freshly graded and housed in new large font NGC holder. The 1840-(O) MED LETTERS attribution is illustrated on the NGC label. This lot has been to CAC for review and did not sticker as I'm certain that someone will ask the question.
Seated 50C 1840O 1840-O
MS63+
PCGS
06613793
WB-11
Gem $7500 New February 15! Satiny Luster, Premium Second Year Issue, Gem Original, Ex.Newtown Collection.. Satiny luster flows from both sides of this highly original piece, while an exceptional strike delivers well-defined star points and full claw detail. The lightly toned surfaces reveal only a few ticks, consistent with the grade level. WB-11, with the reverse die crack, although not advanced, easily matching the Bugert plate coin. CAC reports 54 coins total, with three pieces in MS63, two coins at MS64, and a single outlier at MS66. The CAC price guide advances from $6,750 in MS63 to $11,400 in MS64. Ex. Newtown Liberty Seated Half Dollar Collection Sale (GFRC, January 2025) where it realized $7,500. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1841O 1841-O
AU50
PCGS
50858234
WB-5
Choice $1175 New January 25! Better New Orleans Date, Stone-Cold Original, Near-Gem Quality. Stone-cold original immediately came to mind when starting this description. Both sides of this 1841-O WB-5 half are covered with natural coin gray shades along with embedded green-gold on the reverse. The strike is quite strong with fully defined center points on all stars and nicely separate eagle talons. Fields are pristine when checked with a 10x. I'm calling a JUST BUY IT NOW for those that understand and appreciate completely natural silver surfaces. Priced at CAC price guide AU53 and well worth the premium. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1842 1842
Medium Date
EF45 PCGS
45001242
WB-11
Choice $450 New January 25! Medium Date, Steely Gray Reflectance, Peripheral Orange-Gold, Choice Overall, Sooner Collection. Bright light viewing is were the fun is for this GFRC-Choice rated 1842 WB-11 half dollar. The surflaces are steely reflective with some calling the fields partially mirrored. Orange-gold covers the obverse with darker borders. The reverse is mostly untoned with copper-gold at the right edge. Strike is complete with bold motifs stronger than the certified grade would suggest. Rub is consistent across the devices and fields. An attractive example that is consistent with the lots being released by the Sooner Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1842 1842
Small Date, Rev of 1842
AU50 PCGS
81050700
WB-7
R2
Original $625 Small Date, Reverse of 1842, Lustrous Surfaces, Gold Rims, Reverse Rim Cud at 11:00, Sooner Collection. The highlight of this returning 1842 WB-7 Seated half dollar is a reverse cud above S(TAT)ES but fairly common according to Bill Bugert. Fields are steely with the associated reflectively under a bright light. A light grayish tone is framed by golden shades at the borders. A 10x inspection notes some wispy field hairlines consistent with the Original quality rating. This is a die variety play for those that enjoy assembling 19th century silver with major cracks and cuds. Housed in a PCGS 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with the label reading "Small Date, Rev of 1842".
Seated 50C 1843 1843
MS64
PCGS
25356297
WB-36
Choice $3450 New January 28! Near-Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. The 1843 issue is well known among Seated half dollar enthusiasts for its multiplicity of reverse die crack combinations. This W-36 example reveals a striking, completely bisected reverse with a near-vertical die crack. Thick crust covers the obverse, while the reverse is lighter. The eagle’s left leg is softly impressed. CAC has approved 73 pieces total, five coins in MS64, and three examples finer. The CAC price guide value is $3,450, an attractive value for a condition census piece with visually compelling die characteristics. Ex. Regency Auction 26 (Legend, May 2018), lot 559, where it realized $3,407.50. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6243.
Seated 50C 1843O 1843-O
VF30 NGC
3228846006

Choice $185 Crusty Gray Patina, Accurately Graded, Port Matilda Collection. This Port Matilda Collection release offers thick crusty gray patina that is consistent on both sides. Surfaces are essentially unabraded for the time in circulation. The grading is accurate and spot on. A lovely 1843-O half dollar lot that would fit nicely into a mid-grade circulated set given the attractive pricing. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert. Ex. Sooner Collection.
Seated 50C 1843O 1843-O
MS63+
PCGS
36646870
WB-8
R5
Gem HOLD
$5650
New February 14! Gem Original, R5 Die Variety, Wonderful Eye Appeal, New Orleans Collection. The duplicates release from advanced collections is always an opportunity for the GFRC community to secure above average examples for their own numismatic pursuits. This 1843-O WB-8 half obviously falls into that category and has secured a GFRC-Gem quality rating. Light gray toning is deeper on the obverse along with gold splashes at the stars. Rose and blue hues are noted on the reverse while a bright light inspection exposres brilliant frosted luster and vibrant cartwheels. The WB-8 die pairing is rated as R5 rarity by Bugert and captures a host of spider like reverse die cracks. There is a patch of strike weakness at the eagle's left leg to note. A marvelous offering that is housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Immediately purchased upon being showcased in the Daily Blog.
Seated 50C 1845 1845
MS64
PCGS
43779810
WB-2
Choice $12000 New January 28! Near-Gem Original, Tied Finest at CAC, Newtown Collection.. The CAC census continues to reveal surprises, with ostensibly common dates being surprisingly scarce when originality is considered. CAC has certified 29 examples of the 1845 half, and this piece stands as king of the hill with two other pieces at the MS64 level, and none finer. The situation is nearly as challenging at PCGS, which has certified four coins at MS64, a single example at MS64+, and none higher. The present coin exhibits thick patina, with rose colored fields and intense blue shade in the protected areas of the obverse. Characteristic softness is evident at the eagle’s left leg. W-2, with the high date slanting downward and die lump atop (STA)T(ES). The CAC price guide value is $12,000. Ex. Rare Coin Wholesalers. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6248.
Seated 50C 1845O 1845-O
MS64 PCGS
6556656
WB-9
Choice $7995 New February 14! Exceptional Eye Appeal, Important Pittman Pedigree, Mirrored Fields, New Orleans Collection. Frankly, little needs to be said concerning this exceptionally attractive 1845-O WB-9 duplicate from the New Orleans Collection. The images accurately illustrate the gorgeous toning that is so synonymous with the Pittman pedigree. Whether in-hand or under a bright light, the obverse center orange-rose and surrounding blues are quite consistent. What the images are unable to communicate are the underlying mirrored fields that allow the blues to just explode with color vibrancy. This is by far not your typical 1845-O half, rather another testament to the collecting prowess of John Jay Pittman. The strike is 100% complete and the fields are pristine. I don't understand why this piece does not have a CAC green bean. Destined for one of the finest Liberty Seated half dollar collections under construction. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.0 (1998-2002) holder.
Seated 50C 1846 1846
Medium Date
EF45 PCGS
26561320
WB-9
Choice $350 Choice Original, Charcoal Gray Patina, Residual Steely Luster, Well Struck, Old Time Conservative Grading, Emerald Isle Collection. 1846 Medium Date Seated halves are readily available therefore collectors should focus on above average examples that provide value. This choice specimen offers premium quality along with being a desirable late die state WB-9 die variety. Reverse is heavily cracked well beyond the Bugert descriptions in his new Philadelphia Liberty Seated Half Dollar Register for the series. Surfaces are a combination of steely luster and natural charcoal gray patina. Residual reverse luster is crisp and pleasing. Grading is certainly conservative at the assigned EF45 level. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder. A prior GFRC purchase and previously from the Sooner Collection.
Seated 50C 1849 1849
MS62 NGC
3462103017
WB-1
Choice $1725 Steely Reflective Fields, Light Golden-Gray Patina, Important Dick Osburn Pedigree, Sooner Collection. From the Sooner Collection arrives a choice 1849 WB-1 half with attractive light golden-gray toning over silver surfaces with a hint of blue in the fields. The strike is firm on Liberty's head, the stars and the eagle's claws, key visual inspection points. Under a bright light, the fields are quite steely with radiated reflective luster that is consistent on both sides. The in-hand rose-gray shades shift to golden-gray with darker hues at the borders. The certified grade is a function of light hairlines in the right obverse field seen with light and loupe. Dick Osburn Collection, August 2011 Chicago ANA Auction, lot 7033. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert. The label documents the Dick Osburn Collection pedigree.
Seated 50C 1849 1849
MS64
PCGS
25262963
WB-11
Gem $6000 New January 28! Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Medium crust reveals gold and copper patina as this Philadelphia piece is examined under a bright light. Ample luster is partially reflective, and the overall eye appeal easily earns the GFRC Gem rating. WB-11, with repunching in the 1 and effaced detail at the reverse shield point. The left leg of the eagle is softly impressed. CAC has certified 53 coins overall, with 11 pieces at MS64 and a single coin finer, at MS65. The CAC price guide is $6,000, jumping to $15,100 at MS65. Ex. Washington State Collection, via GFRC, February 2022, at $5,250. Housed in a PCGS Gen 5.0 holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6262.
Seated 50C 1849 1849
MS63 NGC
683876005
WB-12
Gem $2650 Partially Mirrored, Gem Original.. GFRC is pleased to be offering a gem original 1849 WB-12 Liberty Seated half, from the Emerald Collection, that was completely fresh to market when first purchased from GFRC April 2024. This lot previously arrived from a new consignor who purchased it during early March 1998. The obverse fields are mirrored with a bright light bringing about a transition from the dark in-hand shades to natural center rose surrounded sky blue colors. Reverse toning is a consistent copper-gold with hints of blue at the rim. Die polished lines are noted behind the eagle. Surfaces are essentially unabraded and are more than consistent with the certified grade. A lot that provides an exceptional viewing experience under angled lighting and is easily warrants the offer price. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder. PCGS #6262
Seated 50C 1850 1850
MS65+
PCGS
50073544
WB-4
Gem $55000 New January 28! Condition Census, Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Production of silver coinage began falling in 1850, as increasing supplies of gold caused an imbalance in the valuation of silver. Congress corrected the problem only with the Coinage Act of 1853, leaving the Mint to coin a decreasing supply of silver bullion in the intervening years. This low-mintage piece exhibits liberal copper and aqua patina, and the overall eye appeal merits the GFRC Gem designation. Ample luster imparts slight reflectivity to the surfaces. Stars are sharp, while the left claws remain separated, if faintly so. WB-4, with a tine to the upper left of 1. CAC has approved 28 coins total, with a single coin in MS65 (the present coin) and only one piece finer, at MS67. The CAC price guide value is $36,000 (CAC does not price plus grades), while the PCGS value at the MS65+ level is $60,000. Ex. GFRC, August 2023, at $53,000. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6264.
Seated 50C 1850O 1850-O
MS65
PCGS Rattler
2255047
WB-3
Gem $16500 New January 28! Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Frosty luster showcases scattered copper patina on the obverse, while the reverse features a cross-section of gray color across the eagle’s head and right wing. A hammered strike delivers completely defined eagle claws and star centers. WB-3, with die lumps beneath the ribbon extending from the rock. CAC has approved 31 coins in all grades, with three pieces in MS65 and just two examples higher, both in MS66. The CAC price guide assigns a value pf $14,400 in MS65, advancing to $36,000 in MS66. Ex. GFRC, January 2024, at $17,000. Housed in a PCGS Gen 1.2 (1986-1989) old rattler holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6265.
Seated 50C 1850O 1850-O
MS62 NGC
1733120002
WB-6
Choice $1650 Choice Original, Emerald Collection. Streaks of tawny color drape the obverse diagonally, while the reverse shading is an even blue-green with bits of russet patina at the rim. Steely luster creates moderate cartwheel as the coin is rotated under a light. The drapery below the elbow is weak, a typical occurrence in the Seated half series as this portion of the die was often polished. Nicely struck with sharp feather detail beneath the reverse shield. WB-6, with a low date and large mintmark. NGC has certified 97 pieces in all grades, with 28 examples at MS63 or higher. Housed in NGC Gen 14 (2003-2004) standard ring insert holder. Ex. Oregon Beaver Collection via GFRC Online Auctions, May 7, 2022.
Seated 50C 1851 1851
MS63
PCGS
6605178
WB-6
Choice $5500 New January 28! Choice Original, Newtown Collection.. Bold cartwheel luster activates transparent gold and rose patina as this Philadelphia example is rotated under a bright light. Obverse fields are slightly reflective while the reverse is frostier. Stars to the left are sharper, while the claw separation is easily evident. The surfaces are clean for the grade and the overall eye appeal is wholesome. WB-6, with the foot of the second one below the 5. The 1851 issue is especially desirable as silver coinage production decreased prior to Coinage Act of 1853 – indeed, the Philadelphia Mint struck just over 200,000 pieces in this year. CAC has certified 21 coins total, including two pieces at MS63 and three examples finer. The CAC price guide indicates a value of $5,700. Ex. GFRC (March 2017) at $5,750. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.0 (1998-2002) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6266.
Seated 50C 1852 1852
MS65
PCGS
81341524
WB-2
Gem $21500 New January 28! Gem Original, Newtown Collection Ex. Bender.. Golden-tan color covers both sides of this GFRC-rated Gem example. The strike is strong, with only star 7 soft, while the reverse is hammered throughout. CAC has approved 21 coins total, including three at the MS65 level, and none higher. The situation at PCGS is nearly as challenging, with five coins at MS65, one piece in MS66, and none finer. WB-2, with underlying lines in the reverse shield. Note, obverse diagonal lines reveal heavy die polish, as struck. This is a much better date among Seated halves, with a mintage of 77,130 pieces. The CAC guide value is $18,000. This piece will not represent a casual purchase for most collectors, and the opportunity to acquire a CAC “top pop” rightly calls for careful consideration. Ex. Tom Bender Collection (Heritage Auctions, February 2023), lot 3746, at $21,600. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder with CAC approval. The label documents the Bender Collection pedigree. PCGS #6268.
Seated 50C 1854O 1854-O
EF45 PCGS
15406730

Original $245 New December 31! With Arrows Type, Sharp Reflective Surfaces, Gun Metal Bluish Gray. Bold reflective luster originates from both sides of this 1854-O Liberty Seated half when viewed under a bright light. Strike is bold though still lacking definition of the lower eagle left leg and claws. Coloration is best described as a gun metal gray with embedded blues. The obverse surfaces exhibit a faint amount of chatter which precludes a GFRC-Choicel quality rating. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 50C 1854O 1854-O
With Arrows
MS65 PCGS
35142422

Gem $5250 Gorgeous Steely-Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Hammered Strike. 1854 New Orleans struck Seated halves are well know for exhibiting a double strike outline or "halo" like features at the stars and date punch. This newly consigned example is so representative of the date with its brilliant frosted luster and vibrant cartwheels. The strike is absolutely hammered with every minute device detail fully struck. The mottled gray toning is much lighted in hand than on GFRC images. A thoroughly satisfying example that deserve a home in an advanced collector. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1855 1855
With Arrows
AU55 PCGS
81643441

Choice HOLD
$700
New January 23! Challenging Date, Partially Mirrored, New Jersey Collection. Yet another find in a New Jersey Collection bank box, this 1855 Arrows half warrants close scrutiny for its lightly mirrored fields that appear under angled lighting. This half offers sparkling reflectance as the grayish crusty patina is surprisingly transparent and shifts to rose-gold with a sky blue patch on the lower reverse. The strike is 98% complete with pristine surfaces. Let's remember that the 1855 Arrows date saw a lower mintage than prior years along with not being saved for the "arrows" novelty. Guaranteed to please and fairly priced for the premium quality. This lot has not been sent to CAC, so consider accordingly. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1855/54 1855/54
With Arrows
MS62 NGC
1727628003

Original $3250 1855/854 Overdate, Frosty Original, Complete Strike, Very Scarce in Mint State, Emerald Collection. The 1855/854 overdate is a well known die variety with the final date punch over an previously dated 1854 die. The upper left loop of the 8 digit and the crossbar of the 4 remain visible and can be cherrypicked with a 10x loupe. Most enough seen in circulated grades and very scarce in Mint State consistent with the 1855 Philadelphia issue in general. The Emerald Collection is releasing this MS62 example with bold undertype digits and a complete strike. Both sides are also heavily clashed. White frosted surfaces exhibit granular radiance. A faint amount of chatter is noted in the fields consistent with the certified grade along with a probably dip precluding a Choice quality rating. Housed in new large font NGC holder with special Pioneer Boone Family Collection label. The variety attribution is listed as 1855/854 Arrows FS-501.
Seated 50C 1855O 1855-O
MS64
PCGS
05914328

Gem HOLD
$3650
New February 14! Superb Eye Appeal, Blended Orange-Rose and Aquamarine, Gem Original, New Orleans Collection. Spectacular eye appeal is being presented by this partially mirrored 1855-O half dollar and collectors should take note. Blended orange-rose and aquamarine shades decorate a strongly mirrored obverse while more sparse hues cover the reverse and its steely-frosted surfaces. This New Orleans Collection duplicate has proven to be difficult to photograph given the mottled obverse toning. In-hand and under a bright light, the luster is quite pronounced and eye catching. The strike is in high relief with all motifs deeply impressed including haloing around the obverse design elements. This is one wicked nice Seated half dollar that is guaranteed to please the new owner. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.