Liberty Seated Half Dollars

1856 to 1891

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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 38 Coins for Sale. Most recent coin added on July 17, 2024

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 50C 1856O 1856-O
Doubled Date
MS64 PCGS
82121536
WB-102 WB-9
Choice $2400 Doubled Date, Satiny Cartwheel Luster, Fully Struck, Accurately Graded, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - A premium Mint State offering from the Oregon Beaver Collection with boldly repunched date. The initial date punch was entered with a pronounced upward slant, then partially effaced and correctly re-entered. The variety is not labeled on the PCGS insert. Surfaces are choice with medium golden-brown and jade-green surrounding stars and date area. A lustrous and boldly struck near Gem example with splendidly mark-free fields and devices. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1856S 1856-S
MS63 PCGS
50380603
WB-2
Choice $12500 New June 23! Choice Original, Saw Mill Run Collection.. Though the 1856-S half dollar issue was struck at a reasonable mintage for second year San Francisco production, few MInt State survivors are known. GFRC is quite pleased to be offering this PCGS certified MS63 example, one of the six certified. This release exhibits undisturbed steely-frosted luster and swirling cartwheels under the desk lamp. Strike is complete with boldly raised motifs. A few micro ticks are evident in the right obverse field, but of no consequence on eye appeal. Serious fans of the half dollar series may wish to consider this addition as few arrive to market at this grade level. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder. PCGS #6289.
Seated 50C 1858 1858
MS64 PCGS
29710258

Choice HOLD
$1450
Granular Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Light Gold, Near-Gem, Newtown Collection. Consignor Price Reduction. How I enjoy handling Mint State silver coinage with granular frosted luster and light toning. This Newtown duplicate offers "sparkling" luster during angled light viewing along with pleasing cartwheel action. Overall coloring is a light gold with deeper hues at the rim. Strike is essentially complete with only the left leg eagle feathers being partial. A near-gem with all the right visual credentials. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder.
Seated 50C 1858O 1858-O
EF45 PCGS
12146321

Choice HOLD
$235
Natural Coin Gray Patina, Steely Fields, Choice Surfaces, New Orleans Collection. A thoroughly pleasing 1858-O that easily garnered a GFRC-Choice quality rating for its natural coin gray patina and steely surfaces. When tilted under a bright light, the fields expose embedded blues and rose. Strike is deeply impressed leading to bold motifs. This New Orleans Collection release is a bargain at the offer price. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 50C 1858O 1858-O
EF45 PCGS
39191262
WB-6
Choice $625 Quadrupled Second 8, Residual Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces, Newtown Collection. Consignor Price Reduction. An important 1858-O die variety with at least quadrupled punching of the second 8 digit. Remnants of prior punches are seen in the upper loop, between the based and top loop, and two additional punches to the right of the digit. Were late hours and/or alcohol a factor here? Not only is the variety exciting, but the host piece is fully choice. Though certified as an EF45, this half dollar strike presents substantial amounts of mint frost and resulting luster. Surfaces are 100% original with a light natural gray patina. Worthy of a CAC submission by the new owner as this piece has many attributes of those pieces graded AU50. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1858O 1858-O
AU53 PCGS
34971000
WB-7
Choice $400 Choice Original, Newtown Collection. Consignor Price Reduction. Seated half dollar die variety specialist will note the errant 8 digit found within the base of the rock that marks the WB-7 die pairing. A choice example with steely reflective fields that align well with the certified grade. Obverse pewter-gray contains additional shades of embedded gold. The reverse skin is lighter gray which allows increased luster and cartwheel action. Surfaces a fully choice and unabraded. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1859O 1859-O
AU53 NGC
3586801003

Choice $425 Steely Fields, Brown-Gray Patina, Unquestionably Choice, Sooner Collection.. Steely fields and brownish-gray toning are immediately evident for this 1859 dated half. A 10x check revealed pristine fields that are sure to delight. Strike is typical for the issue. The New Orleans mint produced 2,834,000 Seated halves that year leading to potential as a type coin. Whether working on circulated halves set or seeking type, this Sooner Collection offering should fit in nicely. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 50C 1859S 1859-S
EF45 PCGS
38222202
WB-2
Choice HOLD
$550
New July 4! Large S, Crusty Olive-Gray, Steely Fields, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection.. This fresh GFRC buyback is an unquestionably original 1859-S WB-2 half with crusty olive-gray patina. Both sides exhibit steely fields that are essentially unabraded. A thoroughly choice offering that is fairly graded. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with WB-3 die variety attribution. However, this appears to be an early die state WB-2 since there are no reverse die cracks. The mintmark position matches that of the Bugert illustration. Worthy of a CAC submission. Ex Sooner Collection.
Seated 50C 1860S 1860-S
MS62 PCGS
34010275
WB-1
Original $3500 Near-Choice Original, Granular Frosted Surfaces, Newtown Collection. Astute students of the Seated half dollar series will note the unique presentation of the 1860 and 1861 San Francisco strikes. These are typically found with luster ranging from granular frosted to satiny along with a bit of "dished" appearance. This Newtown release was purchased from GFRC during October 2017 and finally returns to the market. Under a bright light, the obverse radiance is clearly frosty with even silver-gray toning. Tilting, the coin brings about faint rose and blue hues. The reverse features a thin gold patina with silver coloration being predominant. The overall strike is complete and visually attractive. This is a near-choice example with richer reverse toning enabling a GFRC-Choice rating. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1860S 1860-S
AU55 PCGS
29709106
WB-1
Original $900 Steely Frosted Luster, Light Gold Patina, Hammered Strike, Sooner Collection. A visually pleasing 1860-S WB-1 Seated half that continues the near term release from the Sooner Collection. The hammered strike was immediately noted upon initial inspection. Under a bright light, the surfaces radiate steely-frosted luster along with active cartwheels. This is a near-choice example as a 10x review revealed very faint hairlines in the fields that are not impacting the luster. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) holder.
Seated 50C 1860S 1860-S
AU50
PCGS
30451109
WB-1
Choice $1325 Near-Gem Original.. Silver-gray color fills both sides of this early San Francisco half, with original Mint bloom evident in the protected areas around the stars and legend. Dusty charcoal patina resides at the peripheries, a touch more so on the reverse. WB-1, with a low date and tiny die lump at the top of 1. The CAC population is 22 coins in all grades and the CAC price guide value is $624 in AU50, an exceptional value given the scarcity of this coin in original preservation. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1861 1861
MS64 NGC
3609725004

Choice $2125 Crusty Choice Original, Attractive Patina, Accurately Graded, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - Years ago, I quickly grow bored with frosty white Liberty Seated coins and learned to appreciate lightly crusty Mint State coins that were strictly original. GFRC continues that tradition with this 1861 Seated half that is toned with a crusty gray skin along with blue hues. Rose, aquamarine and golden toning rings characterize the reverse and are accentuated by brilliant background luster. Strike is deeply impressed with rounded stars and complete hair curls along with crisply defined eagle feathers and claws. A 10x check could only locate one tiny obverse blemish in the upper left field that is fully toned over. Otherwise the devices and fields are pristine. Housed In newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 50C 1861S 1861-S
EF40 PCGS
30109165
WB-6
Choice $465 New June 17! Speckled Gray Patina, Perfectly Graded, Choice Surfaces. With a mintage of under one million, the 1861-S date is in the middle of the pack for Civil War era issues in terms of scarity but definitely more difficult than its 1861 and 1861-O counterparts. This WB-6 example offers medium gray surfaces along with light speckled ebony. The reverse is more heavily toned along with "dirt" being present on the lower left devices. The lightly struck stars are consistent with the die pairing. Accurately graded and housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) holder.
Seated 50C 1866 1866
With Motto
AU55
PCGS
13276489

Choice $995 Near-Gem Original, Grimjet Collection.. Consignor Buyout, Price Reduction. Residual luster remains evident under the thick skin of the lower-mintage Philadelphia example. Intense blue color clings to the protected areas, while deep tan and chestnut color fills the fields. Although not scarce, the Mint struck less than a million pieces in this year, moving this issue solidly outside of a "type coin" classification. CAC has certified 30 pieces in all grades, with 14 coins finer. The CAC guide value is $546. Ex. Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1867 1867
PF62 ANACS
7280619

Choice $1100 Choice Original, Minimally Hairlined for Grade, Emerald Collection.. A liberal splash of russet color blankets the obverse of this proof piece, while the reverse toning is a bit lighter. The strike is hammered, as expected for a proof example, and a comparison with a poorly struck circulation piece quickly reveals the sharpness of this coin - the star centers are distinct, the claw joints are well-separated, and individual feathers are plainly clear. A few field hairlines are evident, consistent with the assigned grade. Although not certified by PCGS, the PCGS price guide value of $1,650 is noted as a reference point. Housed in a new yellow label ANACS holder. PCGS #6425.
Seated 50C 1867 1867
MS64 NGC
2135269005

Choice $4100 Magnificent Eye Appeal, Lightly Mirrored, Hammered Strike, Osprey Collection. The Osprey Collection relentlessly scours the European coin market for GFRC inventory and has scored a major victory with this magnificent 1867 Seated half. Pastel peach-gold and light blue toning is illuminated by the underlying partially mirrored fields. Under a bright light, the radiance is pronounced and thoroughly eye catching. Adding to the viewing pleasure is a hammered strike with every minute device detailed fully impressed. Unobtrusive contact in the lower right obverse field precludes full gem certification though the visual presentation is at that level. Certain to please the advanced collector who desires top shelf specimens in an advanced collection. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 50C 1868 1868
MS64 NGC
4479845005

Gem $3850 Luster Bomb! Exceptional Eye Appeal, Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection. As we continue the Oregon Beaver Seated half dollar collection release, this 1868 half fully warrants its "luster bomb" classification! A magnificently struck example and decidedly semi-prooflike but with hints of granular frost. The bright light radiance is truly remarkable with hints of light pink on the obverse. The mintage of just 417,600 pieces remains consistent with the prior Civil War era. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert, in their Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars via DLRC Press publication, assign Mint State examples an R-5 rarity rating, confirming the significance of the present "Beaver" offering for advanced collectors. Housed in new large font NGC holder. This lot has a strong pedigree tracing back to the Vanderbilt Collection of U.S. Coins sold by Stacks Bowers during March 2018. The pedigree further extends to The Fraser Collection Lot #373 as sold by Stacks March 17, 1978. The original paper 2x2 envelope from the Fraser Collection Sale will be included with the purchase. Please don't miss this opportunity as coins of stature infrequently arrive to the marker place.
Seated 50C 1870S 1870-S
MS62 PCGS
81163610
WB-1
Original $3500 Rare Date at Grade, Near-Choice Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Brilliant, frosty luster with swirling cartwheels blankets both sides of this wildly toned San Francisco piece. A silver palette hosts patchy sea-blue patina, with liberal smears of chocolate color atop the surfaces. A couple stars are soft but the claw joints are sharply impressed. WB-1, with date to the left and the first two digits weak. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. This piece is scarce at this grade level, and PCGS has graded only 13 examples finer. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1871S 1871-S
EF45 PCGS
84040616
WB-6
Original $245 Light Gray Patina, Residual Luster. Light gray coloration is seen on this 1871-S WB-6 Seated half. Bright light inspection exposes residual luster with traces of mint frost in the protected areas. Fairly priced. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1873 1873
With Arrows
EF45 PCGS
30684073
WB-109
Original $925 New July 17! "Quad Stripes", Double Die Obverse, Crusty Gray Patina, Original Surfaces, Sunset Collection. This crusty, original piece exhibits thick gray and tan toning throughout, with more intense patina at the rims. The central figures are lighter, with numerous bits of silver emerging from the recessed areas within Liberty's gown. WB-109, the quad stripes variety, with die doubling accounting for the additional vertical lines in the shield. This is a plainly visible, popular variety, making for a great "story" coin. Housed in a PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder.
Seated 50C 1873CC 1873-CC
With Arrows
AU58 NGC
582267003
WB-4
Original $6000 Key Carson City Issue, Near-Choice Original.. The 1873-CC issue is among the tougher Carson City half dollars, if not as challenging as the 1870-CC, 1874-CC, and 1878-CC dates. This pastel-toned piece exhibits obverse shades of gold intermingled with maroon, while the reverse reveals more uniform plum patina. Luster is typical for the grade, with swirling cartwheels. The strike is typical, with star centers present if faint, while the claw joints blend together. Arrows were added to this design as a result of the April 1, 1873 Coinage Act, which slightly modified the weight of the coin to a metric standard. The NGC census reports 14 pieces in all MS grades combined. This near-MS coin, with just minor traces of wear, represents an attractive, well-detailed example of a semi-key issue from the most desired Mint in the Liberty Seated series. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder. PCGS #6344
Seated 50C 1873S 1873-S
EF45 PCGS
43855900
WB-1
Original $1300 New June 23! Challenging Date, Original, Saw Mill Run Collection.. Continuous silvery-gray toning is highlighted by residual mint frost surrounding the stars on this 1873 San Francisco issue. Under a bright light, steely reflectance is evident while the strike is close to complete. With a mintage of only 228,000, this half dollar date becomes very scarce in AU with EF45 being an excellent value point. PCGS has certified 26 at the offered grade with a price guide mark of $1225 which is conservative. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder. PCGS #6345.
Seated 50C 1874 1874
With Arrows
MS64
NGC
3603430010

Choice $3650 With Arrows, Choice Original.. A near-gem Seated half dollar lot which is ideal for an advanced collection of the series or for type. Copper-rose patina overlays the obverse while bluish-gold appears on the reverse. This 1874 half is so close to fully struck with only the left facing eagle claw not being completely raised. Uniform frosted luster is activated with angled lighting. A stray ancient line between stars 11 and 12 is seen with 10x. CAC has approved seven at grade with eight finer. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert and CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1874CC 1874-CC
With Arrows
MS63 PCGS
42549453
WB-1
R6
Choice $34500 Key Date, Substantially Prooflike, Near-Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection. The "Beaver" has dug deep into his bank box as we continue to market and sell his Liberty Seated half dollar collection. GFRC is proud to be offering his 1874 Carson City half that is accurately graded and provides first class eye appeal for a series key date. The small mintage of 59,000 pieces was accomplished by three die pairs, with this WB-1 die marriage being the rarest of the group. This is an unquestionably choice specimen with partially proof like fields and a bold central strike. Dappled tan-brown and golden toning decorates each side. Slight weakness at some of the star centers and Liberty's upper hair curls is nicely balanced by a deeply impressed reverse eagle with well-defined claws. With a 10x, several well hidden micro lines in the right obverse field are noted. PCGS population is three at the certified grade with only three finer. I can't overstate this "Beaver" opportunity for those building an advanced Liberty Seated half dollar collection. Last sold by Heritage during June 2021. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 50C 1875 1875
MS64
PCGS
25343389

Choice $1870 Beautifully Toned, Steely Reflective Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, CAC Aaaproval, Oregon Beaver Collection. Consignor Price Reduction - GFRC wraps up its latest Oregon Beaver presentation with a beautifully toned 1875 half that just screams originality. Peach-gold tones cover the obverse along with a thin peripheral blue arc while the reverse is golden with darker shades at the legend. Luster is a high point as steely reflectance is readily apparent under angled lighting. Vibrant cartwheels are equally pleasing. The CAC green bean is well deserve. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1875CC 1875-CC
MS62 PCGS
45436025
WB-4
Choice $2950 Challenging Late Date, Granular Frosted Luster, Choice Original.. While not as scarce as the earlier Carson City issues, the 1875-CC still boasts a lower mintage, just over a million pieces, along with the prized "CC" mintmark. Granular min frost is consistent on both sides and suggests that the head and tail dies were prepared together before time in the "press". Surfaces are essentially untoned with thick frosted radiance under a bright light. The overall eye appeal is compelling as the darker peripheral reverse toning is lighter on the coin than the images. This is a sharply struck example with all of the claw joints defined. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder. PCGS #6350
Seated 50C 1875S 1875-S
MS66
PCGS
25600278
Unlisted
Gem $6500 Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Even coffee patina covers the obverse center of this high-grade San Francisco piece, with original silver color remaining in the protected areas. The reverse reveals intermixed steel, tan, and deep maroon color throughout. A few stars are softly impressed. Despite a mintage of 3.2 million examples, CAC notes 60 coins total, a remarkably low total. The CAC census includes ten pieces in MS66 and just two examples finer, both in MS67. The CAC price guide value is $6,000. With a price jump to $21,600 in MS67, this is the finest example one can hope to acquire in the mid-four figure range. Ex. Eric P. Newman (Heritage Auctions, November 16, 2013, lot 33741, there certified NGC MS66, realized $11,750), previously from the Colonel E. H. R. Green collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) holder with CAC approval. The "Colonel" Green-Newman pedigree is listed on the label.
Seated 50C 1876 1876
PR63 PCGS
84766511

Choice $1400 Watery Mirrors, Brilliant Reflectance, Wire Rims, Purple-Rose Toning. Mintage for the 1876 proof issue was limited to 700 pieces with most survivors located between the MS62 through MS64 grades. The key when purchasing proof Seated coinage is striking (no pun intended) the right balance between eye appeal and preservation. This lovely example features sharp reflectance with minimum field hairlines for the certified grade. Mirrors have a watery texture when swirling this piece under a bright light. Toning is a nature purple-rose and most likely results from being stored in a felt lined cabinet. A careful 10x review will reveal a few wispy hairlines but nothing obvious or distracting. A solidly graded example that will please the new owner. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1876S 1876-S
AU55 NGC
6978290004
WB-9
Choice HOLD
$365
New July 19! Micro S, Notable Eye Appeal, Pristine Surfaces, Steely Luster. This 1876-S WB-9 Seated half is securing a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation for it pristine surfaces and above average eye appeal. Steely-frosted luster is most pleasing along with active cartwheels. A complete strike further enhances the visual presentation. The WB-9 die pairing is easily attributed by a large die lump along the outside upper right shield line and into Liberty's gown. This lump is bold under a 10x. Freshly graded and housed in new large font NGC holder without a CAC stickering attempt. Guaranteed to please!
Seated 50C 1877 1877
MS66+
PCGS
82248342

Gem $8500 Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Booming, frosty luster flows from the glass-smooth surfaces of this GFRC-rated Gem example. Centers are untoned and lead toward russet patina that intensifies at the rims. This is the preferred “look” of many collectors, as the brilliant silver color in the central devices contrasts with evolving shades in the fields. The toning scheme on both sides is virtually identical, a characteristic associated with originally preserved pieces. Star centers are well defined, while most of the claws exhibit separation if faintly so. The CAC census includes 75 pieces total, with only three coins finer, all in MS67. PCGS counts but four pieces at the MS67 level, reinforcing the rarity of this issue in the highest grades. The CAC price guide value is $7,500, while PCGS quotes $8,000. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1877 1877
MS66+
PCGS
45243280

Gem $7500 Exceptional Eye Appeal, Superb Gem, Oustanding Type Candidate, Osprey Collection. An exceptionally beautiful 1877 Seated half that would boldly complement the finest early silver type sets under construction. This piece would also fit in nicely for those seeking premium Mint State halves. Unfortunately, the GFRC images are unable to accurately illustrate the granular frosted luster that actively interacts with the rose-gold and peripheral blue shades. Angled lighting further exposes the vibrant cartwheel action. As also expected from a gem graded 66+, the strike is all there. The darker thin lines in the right obverse field are toning lines. CAC has approved and graded 78 in all grades, not a surprise given the high mintage. At the offer grade, 14 have been approved with 3 finer. The PCGS MS66+ grade is well represented by this example and then some. Yet another superb find by the Osprey Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 50C 1877 1877
MS65+
PCGS
25559686

Gem $4000 Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. Dancing cartwheels boom from the surfaces of this colorful half, which exhibits a wash of russet and tan color highlighted by electric blue patina at the rims. Ample, frosty luster easily penetrates the medium skin, and the images do not completely convey the compelling in-hand eye appeal. Obverse star centers are sharp, while some feathers on the eagle's left leg blend together. CAC notes 71 pieces in all grades, with 17 coins finer. The CAC price guide is $3,250 in MS65 and $7,500 in MS66. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 50C 1877S 1877-S
MS62 NGC
340421041

Choice $700 Eye Appeal of Higher Grade, Choice Original, LaSalle Collection.. Steely reflective fields are brilliant on this new LaSalle Collection release as another client begins to disposition a bank box. Orange-gold obverse toning shifts to light gold on the reverse, primarily at the periphery. Strike is hammered with all motifs, and their intricate details being deeply impressed. This piece is accurately graded given the surface chatter that is seen in both fields and on Liberty's mid-section. Overall, a very pleasing certified MS62 that accounts for minor surface aberrations while the luster is superior. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder. Please note that the untoned area on the lower reverse is a photography artifact with the in-hand and bright light coloration being much more uniform than portrayed. PCGS #6357.
Seated 50C 1877S 1877-S
AU50 ANACS OWH
394774

Choice $265 Steely Reflective Luster, Peripheral Gold, Notable Eye Appeal, Fairly Priced. Consignor Buyout, Price Reduction. ANACS old white holders continue to be a consistent supply of quality early type coins. Case in point is this fresh Spring Baltimore consignment. This is a steely reflective example with untoned centers surrounded by peripheral gold. The visuals under angled lighting are quite pleasing. Strike is complete too. Housed in ANACS old white holder.
Seated 50C 1877S 1877-S
MS65
PCGS
36495212
WB-104
Gem $2950 Gem Original, Thick Frosty Luster, Newtown Collection. Consignor Price Reduction. A gorgeous gem-graded half with swirling shades of blue and rose, this piece will captivate even the most grizzled coin veteran. Frosty luster booms from both sides, and the eye appeal is exceptional. The strike is full, with sharp stars and most eagle feathers distinct. This is the WB-104 variety, type 2 reverse with closed bud beneath the branch leaves. The next owner will derive substantial enjoyment from this premium quality example. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1877S 1877-S
AU55 PCGS
30164294
WB-37, WB-104
Gem HOLD
$350
New July 4! Gem Original, Mirrored Fields, Noteworthy Presentation, Well Struck, Ex Newtown Collection. Probably the finest 1877-S Seated half dollar that GFRC has had the pleasure of handling in terms of eye appeal and gem surfaces. Let's immediately call a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation. This piece performs superbly under a light source due to mirrored obverse and reverse fields. In hand viewing sees burnt gold and faint aquamarine shades. Adding a light source accentuates the golden coloring along with considerable reflectance. Strike is complete with full head and all stars exhibits well defined center points. Ditto for the lower reverse eagle devices. There are no blemishes worthy of mention either. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder. An exceptional offering previoulsy from the Newtown Collection that should be immediately scooped up. A fresh GFRC buyback.
Seated 50C 1879 1879
PR63 PCGS
4611114

Choice $1250 New May 31! Choice Original. Proof 1879 half dollars are popular with the Seated community due to a tiny mintage of circulation strikes (4,400 coins) in the same year. This low availability puts price pressure on both the circulation and proof strikes though proofs are more common than Mint State examples. From the Florida bank release arrives this GFRC-Choice rated example with beautiful ring toning. Under a bright light, the dark in-hand coloring shifts to rose with a thin band of aquamarine-gold at the periphery. The aquamarine-gold arc toning is more prevalent on the reverse. Grading proofs in all about reflectance and hairlines. Under a 10x, faint obverse fields hairlines are seen but minimal at the certified grade. Overall, this is a strong PF63 example that will please the new owner. Housed in PCGS Gen 3.1 (1993-1998) holder.
Seated 50C 1879 1879
MS65
PCGS
29975015

Gem $3950 Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. The low-mintage, 1879-1890 runs are well known to Liberty Seated half and quarter dollar enthusiasts, and this 12-coin group might easily stand on its own as a "set within a set." The present example, from the inaugural year of this run, presents a thick skin of smoky grey patina with sea-green highlights in the protected areas. Steely, frosted luster creates swirling cartwheels, and the eye appeal is compelling. Stars are sharply impressed, while a few of the feathers on the eagle's left leg are soft. The CAC census notes 79 examples in all grades, with 30 coins finer. The CAC price guide is $4,120. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1879 1879
MS62
PCGS
24480684

Gem HOLD
$2000
New June 20! Gem Original, Steely Fields, Multi-Color Patina, So Conservatively Graded!. A marvelous 1879 Seated half that has me scratching my head concerning the certified grade. The overall eye appeal is tremendous including partially mirrored fields and old time multi-color toning that is 100% original. An unquestionable gem that warrants a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.5 holder with CAC approval. There is a reverse holder scratch to be noted that was partially edited in the image. Immediately sold upon being showcased in the Daily Blog.
Seated 50C 1882 1882
MS66 PCGS
84160059

Gem $5650 Superb Gem, Proof Like Fields, Fully Struck and Pleasing, Oregon Beaver Collection. 1882 brought the third consecutive year during which the Philadelphia mint dramatic curtailed Seated quarter and half dollar production due to waning demand along with a shift to Morgan dollars. Mintage was a tiny 4,400 strikes with most survivors found with proof like fields resulting in cameo contrasts. The "Beaver" continues to divest his Liberty Seated half dollar collection and is releasing this superb gem example. One immediately notes the undisturbed watery mirrors under angled lighting that provide substantial reflective flash. Peripheral gold provides a lovely accent to the mostly untoned surfaces. The strike is needle sharp with meticulously detailed motifs and squared letters in the reverse legend. Traces of micro-shatter are well hidden on the leg and gown while the fields are unabraded. This is unquestionably an eye appeal play for those that like their Seated halves with bold luster. PCGS has certified 9 at the offered grade with 4 finer. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1885 1885
MS66 PCGS
33425886

Gem $8500 Late Date Low Mintage Issue, Gem Original, Oregon Beaver Collection.. Few Liberty Seated dollars were struck between 1879 and 1890 due to a lack of commercial demand. Though sporting a mintage of 5,200, Mint State survivors are available with the median grade being MS63. The newest Oregon Beaver bank box releases is an MS66 example and only one of five certified at grade with another five finer. Rich frosted luster erupts once placing this piece under my LED desk lamp. Swirling cartwheels are quite satisfying too. Toning is intermixed aquamarine, rose, and yellow-gold. Strike is complete with raised center star points and bold motifs. There is on tick on the upper left facing arm and a trace of micro-chatter in the right obverse field. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 50C 1885 1885
MS65
PCGS
41344564

Gem $5750 Gem Original, Newtown Collection.. This is a piece that has to be seen in-hand to fully appreciate the deeply original surfaces and swirling cartwheels. Medium to thick rose skin covers both sides and leads toward blue crescents at the rims. The frosty luster is fully Gem and further highlights the old-time color of this low-mintage example. Star centers are completely delineated, while a few of the claw joints meld as one. CAC has approved 28 pieces in all grades, with three coins finer. The CAC guide price is $6,000, a reasonable level for a near-finest known example. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1889 1889
AU58 NGC
1774743013

Choice $1600 Choice Original, New Jersey Collection.. Lustrous, untoned surfaces host faint hints of color at the rims, while white, frosted luster radiates from the protected areas. This piece was likely dipped in the past, with a few hairlines evident. Nicely struck, with significant detail in the claw joints. Production was low in this year, 12,000 pieces, as the Philadelphia Mint churned out millions of Morgan dollars. Business strikes are today scarcer than proofs, with NGC reporting 129 circulation strike coins, as compared to 204 proof examples. The NGC price guide is $1,100. Housed in an NGC Gen 14 (2003-2004) holder.
Seated 50C 1890 1890
EF40
NGC
5938753010

Choice $1200 Low Mintage Philadelphia Date, Natural Coin Gray, Residual Steely Luster, Typical CAC Approved Surfaces. 1890 brought the last of the low-mintage half dollar years as a result of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which shifted much of the Mint's production capacity from minor denominations to Morgan dollars. Only 12,000 1890 halves were struck at the Philadelphia mint. Surfaces are consistent with what is being seen holdered in CAC Grading holders. Fields retain steely luster under a bright light. Overall CAC population is 30 with the majority being at the Mint State level with substantial premiums. This is the lone EF40 approved example with only four better through AU58. If seeking a CAC approved 1890 half with incredible originality, this new Whitman Baltimore purchase is a slam-dunk for the wise collector. Housed in NGC large font holder with CAC approval.
Seated 50C 1891 1891
AU55
PCGS
20493423

Choice HOLD
$750
New June 21! Underrated Date, Steely Reflectance, Light Gold Patina, CAC Approval. The 1891 Seated half dollar mintage increased to 200,000 a limited number were saved as compared to the much lower mintage years of 1879 through 1890. CAC has stickered only 55 in all grades with the majority in higher Mint State grades. This example makes its third appearance on the GFRC price list as a buyback at Summer Baltimore. Frosty luster creates swirling cartwheels and showcases delicate russet patina at the rims, with similar hints around the recessed areas. Nicely struck, with only minor softness beneath the reverse shield. The overall look is pleasing, with medium toning and no distracting spots or surface imperfections. Previously from the Cumberland County and Sooner Collections and offered at the same level when sold January 2022. See the Sales Archive for details. A premium example that will please the new owner. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 holder with CAC approval.