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 24 Coins for Sale. Most recent coin added on December 8, 2023

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 50C 1839 1839
With Drapery
MS64
PCGS Rattler
5083102
WB-5
Gem $9500 With Drapery, Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Light russet toning at the rims highlights the swirling, frosted luster of this GFRC-rated Gem example. Occasional shades of olive and blue-green are additionally evident at the dentils, and the vibrant eye appeal is undeniable. Strike is typical, with some softness in the left leg. WB-5, with repunching in the 8. The CAC population is 58 pieces in all grades, with eight coins at MS64 and five examples higher, all at MS65. This piece won't sell cheaply, but coins of this quality are rarely acquired at bargain prices. Housed in a PCGS Gen 1.2 (1986-1989) rattler holder with CAC approval.
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 1840
Reverse of 1839
MS65
PCGS
25618268
WB-1
Gem $10500 Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Luster booms through earthy shades of gold and grey on the obverse of this gem With Drapery half, while the reverse reveals a frosty eagle surrounded by swirling plum and olive patina. The flash is intensely reflective with steely surfaces. Stars to the left are softly impressed, while the right stars and eagle’s claw joints are sharply detailed. WB-1, with repunched 40 in the date, in addition to light reverse die cracks connecting the legend letters. The PCGS population is eight pieces in MS65, with six examples higher. CAC reports four coins in MS65 and five pieces in MS66. This is a superb type coin, with more flash than the images might suggest. This piece is technically separated from the highest graded by only a touch of luster yet is available for a fraction of “finest known” money. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1840(O) 1840-(O)
Reverse of 1838
VF30 PCGS
18715992
WB-4
Original $1500 Popular Reverse of 1838 Type Coin, Light Gray, Steely Fields, New Orleans Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 50C 1843 1843
MS62
PCGS
12911911
WB-18
Choice $1500 New November 5! Repunched Date, Choice Original, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - Silver surfaces admit bluish undertones, while tan patina gathers in protected areas, most notably the reverse shield. Luster is steely and reflective, with active cartwheels. Well-struck, with stars 3-6 a touch soft as are the claw joints to the left. WB-18, with date digits punched obliquely, almost comically so. Early die state, with reverse die cracks not advanced. Despite a mintage of nearly four million pieces, CAC has certified only 54 pieces in all grades, with nine examples higher. This date is one of Bill Bugert’s favorite in the Seated half series, as the need for a large mintage, combined with suboptimal die preparation, resulted in 37 die marriages, with more possibly waiting to be discovered. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1843 1843
EF45 NGC
2661339002
WB-29
Choice HOLD
$430
Shattered Reverse, Residual Steely Luster, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection.. A beautifully preserved 1843 Seated half struck with late die state WB-29 die pairing. Many collectors strike to locate the later WB-29 die states due to spectacular reverse die cracks. Surfaces still retain some steely reflectance while being covered by intermixed rose-blue toning. Angled lighting review is eye catching. A superior example for the certified grade and typical of the Sooner Collection offerings. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 50C 1843O 1843-O
AU55 PCGS
27480105
WB-12
Choice $700 Cracked Dies, Steely Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces, Emerald Collection. A choice example of the WB-12 die pairing during a late die state with die cracks throughout the obverse and reverse dies. Steely-frosted luster is readily evident during angled lighting inspection and consistent with the certified grade. Strike is fully executed and nicely complete towards showcasing the cracked dies. Fields have a few scattered micro-ticks of no consequence. This Emerald Collection offering is ideal for the die variety specialist. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) holder.
Seated 50C 1844 1844
MS62 NGC
3814815004
W-9
Choice $1050 New November 5! Repunched 884, Semi Prooflike, Choice Original, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - Russet skin blankets the obverse of this Mint State example, surrounded by electric blue patina at the rim. Splashes of lighter color are seen throughout the obverse, while the reverse exhibits intermingled silver and gold color with deep maroon shading at the rim. Steely luster creates a moderate cartwheel effect. The strike is sharp, with all claw joints delineated. WB-9, with repunched digits and a die line between the third and fourth set of reverse shield verticals. NGC has graded 20 pieces higher, with the highest at MS65. This is a colorful piece that will sell at an accessible price point. Housed in a new large font NGC holder.
Seated 50C 1844 1844
MS61 PCGS
43000313
WB-12
Choice $1250 Splendid Eye Appeal, Steely Reflectance, Swirling Cartwheels, Peripheral Copper-Gold, Quito Collection. A lovely 1844 WB-12 Seated half that brings eye appeal of a high grade. Steely fields radiate bold reflectance along with swirling cartwheels. Coloration is gold with darker copper-gold at the peripheries. Why certified at the MS61 level? The upper right obverse field has chatter and one notable abrasion that is well hidden by the toning. A thoroughly pleasing offering that is well balance and worthy of the offer price. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder.
Seated 50C 1844 1844
MS62 NGC
1969805002
WB-2
Choice $1100 Choice Original, Emerald Collection.. Partially reflective luster highlights thick blue-green skin, surrounded by russet shades at the rim. The reverse reveals additional gold color throughout. Star center points are defined, while the eagle's left claw is softly impressed. A few lines are evident in the right obverse field. WB-2, with the top of an 8 evident in the dentils. The NGC price guide value in MS62 is $1,200. Housed in a NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder.
Seated 50C 1844 1844
MS62 PCGS
33950126
WB-4
Choice $1450 Overlapping 8s in Denticle, Fully Struck, Fiery Orange-Gray Surfaces, Conservative Grading, Newton Collection.. This 1844 WB-4 is a noteworthy Newtown Collection duplicate and perfect Mint State specimen for the advanced collector. Strike is fully executed with all stars rounded along with deeply impressed hair curls. The reverse is also fully struck. Choice surfaces and luster appear to be superior for the certified MS62 grade level. In hand viewing, as seen in the GFRC images, results in gray-rose coloration. Under angled lighting, fiery natural orange-gray coloring is exposed throughout obverse and reverse. Blemishes are to a minimum with only two faint bag marks in the upper left reverse field that are old time and completely toned. This is an exceptional piece with the doubled misplaced 8 digits in the denticles directly below the space between 1(84)4 and a thick arcing line in the denticles above (UNIT)ED per the Bugert Register on Philadelphia die varieties. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1844O 1844-O
Doubled Date
EF45 NGC
2562207004
FS-301
Original $4000 Popular Doubled Date, Original, Sunset Collection. The 1844-O Doubled Date is one of the most popular verities in the Seated half series, with a plainly doubled date repunched to the south. The coiner initially placed the date far too high within the exergue and was forced to reposition and try again. The blundered date is readily apparent, and there is no need for a 16x loupe to reveal some subtle detail. This piece exhibits silver-gray shading with burnt tan at the lower rims, in addition to an aqua splash at the base of Liberty. The residual luster is partially mirrored. Housed in a newer NGC holder with edge view insert. NGC has certified 21 pieces in all grades, with nine higher, all at the AU level.
Seated 50C 1844O 1844-O
Doubled Date
VF35 PCGS
34010264
WB-22 WB-103
Original $2750 Popular Doubled Date, Light Gray Surfaces, Newtown Collection. One of the more spectacular errors in all of U.S. coinage, the 1844-O double date exhibits a bold repunched date well north of the usual placement. This attractive specimen is toned a uniform light gray with darker shades at the peripheries. New Orleans Seated coins come with a variety of striking characteristics, and this piece is typical with some softness on the left leg. Fields are moderately reflective which is typical of the issue. An important offering from the Newtown Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1846 1846
Tall Date
EF45 PCGS
40148776
Unlisted
Choice $475 Tall Date, Steely Fields, Choice Surfaces, Mottled Golden Toning. This is a well preserved and attractive 1846 Tall Date half that would fit nicely into an EF centric collection. Fields present a steely texture along with residual reflectance and hints of aquamarine under angled lighting. Golden shades are predominate on the right obverse, and to a lesser extent, on the right reverse. The strike is near complete with bold scrolls edges at the certified grade. Overall, a choice example that could warrant a trip to Far Hills, NJ. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 50C 1846O 1846-O
Medium Date
AU58 PCGS
33273462
WB-12
R3
Original $1250 Medium Date, Repunched 6, Original Gray Patina, Residual Luster, Scarce Grade That Deserves Attention. . Consignor Price Reduction. 1846 New Orleans strikes, whether the Medium or Tall Date varieties, become quite scarce in AU and rare in Mint State grades. The Medium Date variety is the more available of the two but still deserves respect. A quick check of PCGS population report indicates only eleven example certified at AU58 grade level and a combined total of thirteen in MS62 through MS64 with none higher. This lovely example offers semi transparent gray-rose patina with steely reflective luster. Strike is nearly complete with a few stars lacking fully connected centrils and some weakness on the lower eagle left leg and arrow feathers. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 holder and ready for inclusion in an advanced Liberty Seated half dollar date and mintmark set. From the Twin Lakes Collecton.
Seated 50C 1846O 1846-O
Medium Date
AU53 PCGS
24987468
WB-16
Choice $685 New December 8! Medium Date, Lightly Mirrored Obverse, Rose-Gray Patina, Choice Surfaces. An early die state WB-16 example with a partially mirrored obverse strike and complimentary frosted reverse. How I enjoy handling dual finishes on Liberty Seated coinage. The reverse shows a faint die state at UNITED that become progressive more severe. This is a absolutely choice example with rose-gray dressing up the obverse reflectance while the reverse is an even light gray with peripheral blue shades. Fields are essentially unabraded and pleasing while the strike is typical. Overall a solid example that secures a GFRC-Choice quality rating. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder. The label captures the Medium Date attribution.
Seated 50C 1847 1847
AU55
PCGS
84766513
WB-5
Choice $750 Choice Original, Saw Mill Run Collection.. Golden patina resides in the protected areas of the obverse, while the reverse shading is more intense. Both sides exhibit light, scattered crust. Most stars retain center points, while the eagle's claws to the left are indistinct. Residual luster is partially reflective. WB-5, with cracks connecting the stars and a vertical die line extending from (AMERIC)A. Although not a tough date in the Seated half series, the situation is more challenging when originality is considered. The CAC census includes 41 pieces in all grades with 15 examples finer. The CAC guide value is $702. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Ex. Grimjet Collection.
Seated 50C 1849 1849
MS63 NGC
667206010
WB-13
Choice $2000 Repunched 184, Brilliant Frosty Luster, Choice Original, Sunset Collection. Protected areas host russet patina while the high points retain original silver color, all surrounded by more deeply shaded rims. Original Mint bloom is frosty and exhibits luster consistent with the technical grade. WB-13, with a downward sloping date and a tine to the left of the serif of 1. The strike is typical, with soft stars and weakness beneath the reverse shield. Some surface chatter is evident in the right obverse field. Housed in an NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder. NGC has certified 12 pieces higher, all in MS64 and MS65.
Seated 50C 1849 1849
Dramatically Doubled Date
VG10 PCGS
19693958
WB-16
Choice $1600 Dramatically Doubled Date, Natural Coin Gray, Choice at Grade, Newtown Collection. WB-102 MPD-1, R.6 in all grades. The date is repunched east, with bold remnants of bases of the early date punch. A misplaced 9 also protrudes from the bottom of Liberty's rock. A choice example with natural coin gray patina that is a tad darker on the obverse. Fields are well preserved and surprisingly unblemished considering the time in circulation. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with PCGS 30th Anniversary old green label.
Seated 50C 1849O 1849-O
MS61 PCGS
83977936
WB-10
Choice $1750 Challenging In Mint State, Rusted Obverse Die, Choice Original, Newtown Collection. A crusty original Mint State example of the challenging 1849 New Orleans date that is conservatively graded. Advanced collectors of the Liberty Seated half dollar series should pay special attention to this offering. A no question uncirculated example with natural surfaces and reflective golden luster under a bright light. The obverse is rusted consistent with the WB-10 variety diagnostics. Die rust is seen within upper and lower gown folds and within the spaces between vertical shield lines. Strike is crisply executed with bold head details and hair curls while all stars have connected center points. Toning is thick and crusty with ebony coloring at the date and within the lower right field area. There are no blemishes worthy of mention. Reverse toning is more transparent than on the obverse. Adding a light source exposes reflection gold-rose fields that nicely contrast with the bold eagle. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. A lovely duplicate from the Newtown Collection.
Seated 50C 1850 1850
MS64 PCGS
33841350
WB-2
Choice $5500 Rare Philadelphia Date, Frosty Luster, Choice Original, Sunset Collection. Brilliant, frosty luster reveals a pleasing mélange of color on both sides, with scattered shades of olive and blue-green splashed atop an underlying palette of silver-rose. The reverse shading is deeper, with aqua rims surrounding more intense gray hue throughout. Scattered marks are more consistent with the MS63 grade, with the 64 likely awarded by PCGS for overall eye appeal. This is a much better date among Philadelphia Seated halves, with 227,000 pieces coined. Stars are sharply struck, while the eagle’s claws to the left blend together. WB-2, with a strong die clash in the reverse shield, and the last digit in the date repunched. The PCGS population is seven examples in MS64, with three pieces higher in all grades combined. This is a most attractive example of a challenging issue, and sure to please the new owner. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 holder.
Seated 50C 1850 1850
MS63 PCGS
32771722
WB-2
Choice $4975 New October 13! Important Silver Arbitrage Date, Partially Mirrored, Rare in Mint State, Newton Collection.. After gold was discovered in California and the subsequent mining ensued, the gold and silver metals experienced a pricing shift with silver becoming more valaible due to the large amount of gold entering the U.S. market. This became apparent starting in 1850 onward with silver coins being shipped to Europe for melting and returning as silver bullion at a higher value. Come 1853, the weight of silver in U.S. coins was reduced to terminate this issue. This 1850 WB-2 example was struck during that turbulent period and is notably well preserved. Fields are partially mirrored with considerable reflectance under my desk lamp. GFRC images accurately display the light rose obverse toning along with a thin blue arc at the rim. The reverse peripheral toning is broader and nicely frames a center with copper-gold and light grays. Strike is nearly complete with only the eagle claws and arrow feathers lacking complete definition. A CoinFacts check indicates that this date trades infrequently. Though PCGS has graded ten pieces at this certified level, none have appeared at auction since October 2020 with the second to last appearance taking place during early 2016. A Newtown Collection release. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) 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 1855O 1855-O
With Arrows
VF30 PCGS
34387737
WB-1
Original HOLD
$270
O/Horizontal O, Crusty Rose-Gray Skin, Near-Choice, Newtown Collection. A cool Liberty Seated half dollar variety with the first mintmark improperly punched in the horizontal direction. The first mintmark is seen at the top of the final punch. This example is accurately grade while the surfaces are overlaid with a thick rose gray-skin. Fields have a few ticks that are ancient and fully toned. Another variety offering from the Newtown Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1855S 1855-S
With Arrows
F15
PCGS
3344101001
WB-1
R5
Choice $2150 Choice Original, Mountain View Collection.. Liberty Seated half dollar collectors should take heed of this important Mountain View Collection release. 1855 brought the first half dollar production at the west coast mint to help fuel expanding commerce. Most survivors, from a mintage of 129,950, will be found with one issue or another. This CAC approved example is toned a moderate coin gray with darker shades at the peripheries. Surfaces are unabraded though there is a single rim bruise to the left of the date. CAC population stands at 17 with the next best being a VF25 before rapid pricing escalation. A noteworthy opportunity for those collecting circulated halves. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1855S 1855-S
With Arrows
F15 ANACS OWH
355238
WB-4
Choice $1750 Near-Gem Original, Seated Appalachian Collection.. Few San Francisco pieces were produced in the inaugural year of the Mint, and the 1855-S issue is highly desirable even in lower grades. While all early San Francisco pieces are scarce, the 1855-S boasts the lowest production quantity of the group. This example exhibits a coin gray obverse that contrasts with deeper color in the recessed areas. The reverse is more intensely shaded, with electric blue patina filling the protected portions of the design. The overall eye appeal is strong, and the GFRC near-Gem rating is easily merited. WB-4, with a downward sloping date and die lump above the obverse shield. Housed in ANACS old white holder.