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 31 Coins for Sale. Most recent coin added on April 10, 2024

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)
AU55 NGC
6771827002

Original $5500 New Orleans Medium Letters Reverse, No Mintmark, Late Die State, Osprey Collection. 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 1840(O) 1840-(O)
Reverse of 1838
VF30 PCGS
18715992
WB-4
Original $1200 New April 10! Popular Reverse of 1838 Type Coin, Light Gray, Steely Fields, New Orleans Collection. Consignor Price Reduction. The New Orleans Collection has released an example of the popular 1840 New Orleans struck half with a leftover bust era reverse die that lacks a mintmark. The reverse was previously employed for striking Reeded Edge design coinage during 1839 where the mintmark was placed on the obverse. Demand is always high for this issue since required for both a Liberty Seated half dollar date and mintmark set along with early coinage type sets. This survivor features even light gray surfaces with golden highlights. The characteristic die crack from the arrow feathers to HAL(F) is present and visible in the images. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 50C 1840O 1840-O
AU58 NGC
595467006
WB-7
Choice $950 Very Small O, Choice Original, Frosty Luster, Well Struck, Accurately Graded, Sooner Collection. The initial year of Liberty Seated half dollar production at the New Orleans mint brought the usage of a Small Letters reverse. This surviving example offers noteworthy eye appeal along with choice surfaces and steely-frosted luster. Faint gold covers both sides with darker shades towards the peripheries. Mint frost surrounds the stars and date along with being present throughout Liberty's gown and within the shield. The same is true for the reverse with ample mint frost in the fields, surrounding the legend and within the eagle feathers. Obverse strike is complete while the reverse only lacks full definition of the lower left facing eagle left and claws. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder, Ex New Jersey and Newtown Collections.
Seated 50C 1841O 1841-O
AU58 NGC
3099766013
WB-1
Choice $1260 Excellent WB-1 Variety Example, Steely Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection. Steely frosted luster and light gray patina are consistent on both sides of this semi-scarce 1841-O WB-1 strike, When viewed under a bright light, some embedded gold, rose, and blues are seen. Strike is complete and reveals the full extend of the reverse die cracks through the eagle to the rim. Fields are essentially unabraded with the right obverse field and upper reverse being well preserved and with any contact marks. This is a fully choice example that is attractive priced for the overall quality. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder. Ex Steve Studer Collection and last sold at March 2021 Stacks auction where it realized $1320.
Seated 50C 1841O 1841-O
AU58 PCGS
27432425
WB-7
Original $1550 Original, Emerald Collection.. Largely untoned surfaces admit smoky gray patina at the rims, more so on the reverse. Scattered marks are consistent with the assigned grade. WB-7, with a lump near star 10 and a die line extending from the third leaf on the left. This reverse is reused on the 1842-O WB-1. Typically struck, as is the Bugert plate coin, with softness in the head, stars, and feathers. PCGS notes 342 coins total, with 18 pieces in AU58 and 43 examples at the Mint State level. The PCGS guide price is $1,750 in AU58. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder. PCGS #6237.
Seated 50C 1841O 1841-O
EF40
PCGS
13015736
WB-9
Choice $785 Natural Coin Gray, Steely Fields, Choice Surfaces . Gray, rose, and emerald patina intermixes atop the surfaces of this early New Orleans piece. The stars, date, shields, and arrows host light crust, and the overall eye appeal is healthy. WB-9, with a die line in the dentils below the right 1, and a large mintmark. Strike is typical, with soft detail in the claws and arrow feathers. The CAC Stickering census notes 55 pieces in all grades, with a value of $546 in EF40. Previously from the May 2023 Bart Chapman Collection auction sale where is realized $900 after vigorous bidding. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1842 1842
Medium Date
AU55 PCGS
32547522
WB-12, FS-301
Choice HOLD
$695
Repunched Date, Steely-Frosted Luster, Faint Gold, Choice Overall, Sooner Collection. The Bugert 1842 WB-12 die pairing enjoys popularity for its bold repunching of the 842 date digits. Actually, these are triple punched and easily seen under any reasonable magnification. This variety is also listed in Cherrypickers as FS-301. This Sooner Collection release warrants a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation as the overall eye appeal is quite satisfying. The primary motifs are deeply impressed and immediately noted. Under a bright light, the steely-frosted surfaces provide notable radiance. This is essentially an untoned example with hints of gold at the peripheries. Hurry on this one at the offer price as the new owner will be happy with the purchase. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. The label attribution reads, RPD FS-301 WB-105 Medium Date.
Seated 50C 1843 1843
EF40 PCGS
39197004
WB-12
Original $335 Ultimate #32 WB-12, Bisecting Reverse Die Crack, Original, Sooner Collection. The Sooner Coolection consignor prefers varieties that are readily attributed, and this WB-12 with a bold, bisecting reverse die crack fits the bill nicely. The crack is apparent even in some of the raised areas such as the eagle?s head. The obverse reveals additional cracks at stars 1-2, 7-8, and above the date. Shading is even silver throughout, with deeper gray patina in the recessed areas offering distinct contrast. Fields are steely and the overall appearance suggests an old, light cleaning with retoning. Obverse chatter in the right field is consistent with the technical grade. A great story coin worthy of exhibition at a local coin club meeting or show. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Ex Newtown Collection.
Seated 50C 1843O 1843-O
VF30 NGC
3228846006

Choice $215 Crusty Gray Patina, Accurately Graded, Sooner Collection. This Sooner Collection release offers thick crusty gray patina that is consistent on both sides. Surfaces are essentially unabraded for the time in circulation. The TPG grading is accurate too. 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.
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 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 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
EF45 PCGS
13255602
WB-11
Original $395 Dirty Gray Patina, Steely-Foelds, Near-Choice, New Orleans Collection. Steely reflective fields are readily apparent, when viewed under a bright light, for this 1844-O WB-11 Seated half. In-hand inspection indicates a thin dirty gray patina that is consistent on both sides. Strike is typical with weakness at the eagle claws and leg facing leg. Sime obverse field hairlines preclude a full Choice quality rating. The WB-11 reverse diagnostics are clear under a 10x. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) 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 1845O 1845-O
MS63 PCGS
83712290
WB-9
Choice $3250 Brilliant Frosted Luster, Choice Original, LaSalle Collection.. Handling Mint State Liberty Seated halves brings the opportunity to study native mint bloom that yields bright light radiance. This 1845-O WB-9 lot offers steely-frosted luster along with active cartwheels. Light gold toning, on the obverse, becomes more prevalent on the reverse. Strike is hammered as every minute device detail is clearly presented. At first glance, one might wonder why an early 19th century survivor, with this amount of eye appeal, could only be graded MS63. Upon 10x inspection, faint hairlines are seen in the right and light obverse fields. Though not impeding the luster, they can be seen by a TPG grader. Please note the fair auction reserve for potential acquisition. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. PCGS #6249.
Seated 50C 1846 1846
Tall Date
AU55 PCGS
83942245
WB-12
Original $615 Tall Date, Frosted Luster, Complete Strike, Excellent WB-12 Diagnostics, Sooner Collection. The ratio of 1846 Medium to Tall Date obverse dies comes in at 8 versus 7, therefore both date punch sizes are close to equally available with the Tall Date having the scarcity edge. This WB-12 pairing example offers several compelling reason for purchase. The first is the thick frosted luster that is layered with faint gold. Next is a complete strike, and thirdly, bold WB-12 diagnostics. Under a 10x, wispy hairlines are seen in the obverse fields that preclude a choice quality rating. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with Tall Date designation on the label.
Seated 50C 1846 1846
Tall Date
VF35 ANACS
5270403
WB-12
Choice $335 Early Die State, Gray-Gold, Blue Device Halos, Emerald Collection.. Forget the gold label ANACS and just focus on this lovely 1846 Tall Date WB-12 offering from the Emerald Collection. Surfaces are toned a base light gray along with lovely blue halos surrounding most devices. The bright light viewing experience is most pleasing. A few scattered field ticks do not distract. Strike is essentially complete. Housed in new ANACS gold label holder with "Tall Date" indicated on the label.
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. . 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 $695 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 progressively 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 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 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 1853O 1853-O
AU50 NGC
5971119005

WB-
Original HOLD
$800
Arrows & Ray Type, Reflective Fields, Light Rose-Gray. GFRC welcomes yet another new consignor who is offering an 1853-O No Arrows half dime and this 1853-O WB-1 Arrows & Rays Seated half. This larger denomination lot presents steely reflective fields on both sides. Coloration is a light rose-gold on the obverse with hints of gold on the reverse. The WB-1 die pairing is easily attributed by a tine on the upper right side of the 1 digit and die rust pits on the reverse rays above the eagles head. Wear is uniform with faint hairlines in the obverse fields. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 50C 1853O 1853-O
Arrows & Rays
AU58 PCGS
28528891
WB-8
Original $2050 Arrows & Rays Type, Near-Choice Original, Sooner Collection. Brilliant, frosty luster and swirling cartwheels blanket both sides, which are largely untoned apart from a gold band across the lower part of the eagle. Fields host a few hairlines, but the eye is more drawn to the interesting die cracks in the stars and rays. Mintage of the 1853 half dollars was substantial, creating ample opportunity for distinct die characteristics to emerge. WB-8, with a die crack between star 12 and the rim. Stars are crisply defined with rich texture, while the left claw joints are starting to join together. Last sold sold at GFRC Online Auctions Janaury 2021 Sale realizing $2250. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.5 (2011-2013) holder.
Seated 50C 1854O 1854-O
EF45 PCGS
15406730

Original $225 With Arrows Type, Sharp Reflective Surfaces, Gun Metal Bluish Gray, New Orleans Collection. Bold reflective luster originates from both faces of this New Orleans Collection 1854-O 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 leading to the Original 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 1855O 1855-O
With Arrows
VF30 PCGS
34387737
WB-1
Original $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.