Liberty Seated Half Dimes

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Gerry Fortin Rare Coins continues to expand Liberty Seated half dime inventory for advanced variety collectors. Attributions are per Valentine and follow on research published by the Liberty Seated Collectors Club within individual Gobrecht Journal articles or presented in the Collective Volumes.

There are 30 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on December 1, 2023

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 5C 1837 1837
Small Date
AU58 NGC
6099831014

Choice $675 Small Date, Popular Type Coin, Multi-Color Toning, Steeling Fields. 1837 Seated half dimes are a constant favorite at GFRC given their No Stars type status. This colorfully toned Small Date presents an opportunity for those pursuing the AU58 grade. Fields are steely with moderate reflective luster during angled lighting inspection. Obverse toning is intermixed rose, blues, and greens while the reverse has a more pronounced center rose. Rims and surfaces are unabraded and well preserved. This one will certainly please fans of toned type coins. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1837 1837
Large Date
AU53 NGC
3338381001
V-1
Choice $525 Tripled Punch Date, Golden-Gray, Steely Fields, 100% Original and Choice, Woodlands Collection. This is yet another Woodlands collection release that exhibits premium quality. The first year of Liberty Seated coinage featured a clean No Stars layout which has maintained its popularity through the ages. This V-1 example features boldy repunching under the date digits with the 8 digit being triple punched. Surfaces are toned a natural coin gray and exhibit steely reflectance. This piece is essentially unabraded and worthy of consideration for a type set or a cool die variety acquisiiton. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder with the 1837/1837 attribution and VP-001 designation.
Seated 5C 1838 1838
No Drapery, Large Stars
MS64
NGC
2685622002

Choice $1650 Creamy Frosted Luster, Complete Strike, Near-Gem, CAC Approved. A boldly repunched star 8 is readily evident on this superbly preserved 1838 Seated half dime. Radiant mint bloom radiates creamy frosted luster when placed under angled lighting. Strike is fully executed with a reverse die crack through O(F) into the wreath. One reverse field mark holds this piece back from potential higher grade. The eye appeal is certainly there. Newly consigned and a premium example. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1838 1838
No Drapery, Large Stars
MS62 PCGS
43289814

Choice $495 New December 1! Thick Frosted Luster, Orange-Gold Hues, Choice Original, Crazy Joe Collection. Crazy Joe is back with more duplicates to sell from his favorite Liberty Seated series, the venerable half dimes. This 1838 lot presents thick frosted luster and varying degrees of golden toning. The orange-gold on the reverse is quite notable. Stars 1, 8, and 11 are boldly repunched for die variety specialists. The reverse is weakly struck at the upper left. Accurately graded with choice surfaces. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 5C 1838O 1838-O
No Stars
VF25 PCGS
16595929
V-1
Original $1450 New October 22! Repunched 8, Scarce No Stars Issue, Light Gray Patina, New Orleans Collection. A first year New Orleans issue, the 1838-O date was limited to 70,000 and remains challenging in all grades. Two varieties are known (V-1, V-2) with this offering being the V-1 repunched date. Strike quality was a persistence issue for half dimes with the V-1 being better struck than V-2. The New Orleans Collection provides another installment of coins certified by PCGS during the late 2000 timeframe. This V-1 sports an even gray skin with golden highlights that appear under a bright light. An original example with several ancient lines in the right obverse field. Strike is quite good for the issue. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 5C 1838O 1838-O
No Stars
F15 PCGS
15718170
V-1
Choice $695 No Stars Type, Choice Original, New Orleans Collection. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder. Full description will be added if not sold at the Spring 2023 Whitman Baltimore. This piece is immediately available via price list.
Seated 5C 1839 1839
No Drapery
AU55
PCGS
30178308

Gem HOLD
$350
New December 1! Crusty Original Gem, Pleasing Eye Appeal, CAC Approval, Crazy Joe Collection. Crusty original is the perfect description for this gem 1839 Seated half dime. A thick brownish gray skin is uniformly distributed on both sides. Strike is fully impressed on this No Drapery example. Previously sold into the Crazy Joe collection during early 2023 and now back for a second appearance. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1840 1840
MS63 PCGS
45566744

Choice $600 New December 1! No Drapery Type, Steely-Frosted Radiance, Delicate Strike, Choice Original, Crazy Joe Collection. The parallels between the Liberty Seated half dime and dime series are quite evident when evaluating this newest Crazy Joe collection release. Steely-frosted fields are readily apparent with notable radiance when placed under a bright light. Again, as seen on the dime series, the strike is "delicate" given the shallow hubbing of the working dies. A micro-line in the left obverse field is the only abrasion requiring note and would preclude a CAC submission. A visually pleasing No Drapery type example with consistent bluish-gray coloration on both sides. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 5C 1841O 1841-O
EF40 PCGS
20647389
V-5
R6
Choice $750 V-5, Reverse of 1840-O With Drapery V-7, R6 Rarity, Choice Surfaces, Residual Luster. Another important Liberty Seated half dime die variety offering with choice original surfaces and ample residual mint frost. This 1841-O V-5 die pairing results when an 1841 obverse die is paired with a leftover reverse of 1840-O; specifically the V-7 reverse. The reverse can be identified by a die crack through AMER(I)CA. A wonderful example with gray-rose and blue toning on the obverse along with peripheral tan-gold on the reverse. Definitely a choice example for the die variety. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 5C 1842 1842
MS64
PCGS
46757564

Choice HOLD
$925
Crusty Olive-Gold, Frosted Luster, Incredible Origina and Choice. 1842 Philadelphia struck half dimes are a bit of a sleeper date with the mintage at only 815,000. Many were well preserved and are found at the MS63 and MS64 grades levels as is the case with this new offering. This example is unquestionably original with a crusty olive-gold patina. Strike is complete on both sides with boldly defined denticles and obverse rim cudding. Bright light inspection exposes frosted luster though a bit muted by the patina. Accurately graded and approved by CAC. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 5C 1842O 1842-O
EF40 PCGS
13511133

Choice $700 New October 22! Underrated Date, Light Gray, Choice Original, New Orleans Collection. Like other early New Orleans half dime and dime dates, the 1842-O has a low survival rate but continues to be under appreciated. PCGS has only certified 11 at the offered grade with 9 total in all AU grades. This "fresh" New Orleans Collection example warrants a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation for its natural coin gray toning and absolutely choice surfaces. Like many New Orleans struck half dimes, the upper obverse and reverse details are weak. Regardless, this piece is desirable for its strict originality and rarity. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
Seated 5C 1844O 1844-O
VF30
NGC
4923934025
V-2
Choice $1250 V-2, Small O, Medal Turn Reverse, Choice Original,. The 1844-O Seated half dime date is important primarily due to a mintage of 220,000 with an anemic number of certified survivors in all grades. This situation is amplified by CAC data with only 31 approved in all grades and only 5 at the certified grade. Not noted by the services or CAC is that a fair number of examples will be found with a medal turn reverse rotation. I don't believe this die state is rare as close to an equal number of coin and medal aligned specimens have been seen. This piece bring strict originality credentials with its antique gray surfaces and circulated cameo eye appeal. Fields have a steely texture. CAC approval on a medal turn example is just plain cool. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1849 1849
MS64 NGC Fatty
249607009

Choice $1100 Colorful Presentation, Steely Reflective Luster, Cracked Dies. A better Seated half dime date with gorgeous light blue-rose toning. 1849 Philadelphia strikes amounted to a tad over 1.3 million with Mint State survivors rated as R4 rarity by Blythe. This newly consigned example is quite pretty overall while bright light viewing being the highlight. Since the fields are partially mirrored, the reflectance is sharp and brilliant with light blue coloration being dominant. There are obverse die cracks from rock to star 1-2 and another die crack connecting stars 11-13. Overall, a thoroughly pleasing example. Housed in NGC Gen 5 (1992-1995) holder.
Seated 5C 1849O 1849-O
VF20 NGC
6606811019

Choice $395 important New Orleans Date, Crusty Gray. A scarce and semi-key New Orleans date, this new 1849-O half dime has a mintage of 140,000, one of the smallest mintage in the entire series. Surfaces a covered with a thick crusty gray skin. An example at an affordable grade as the pricing premiums accelerate quickly in EF or better. Accurately graded and housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1850 1850
MS64 NGC
1922284012
V-1
Choice $525 Partially Mirrored Fields, Reflective Luster, Choice Surfaces, Mirror Collection. 1850 Seated half dime date was struck to the tune of 955,000 pieces. The higher mintage and overall availability makes the date perfect as a With Drapery type coin. Partially mirrored fields, pastel rose, and blue coloration are the highlights of this choice example. Accurately graded with a bold obverse strike and some weakness of the upper left wreath leaves. Bright light assessment exposes moderate reflective luster. From the Mirror Collection. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder.
Seated 5C 1850O 1850-O
Large O
AU58 PCGS
34941906
V-3
R6
Choice $2100 Finest V-3 Presently Known, Large O, Lightly Mirrored, Choice Surfaces. Consignor Price Reduction. The 1850-O V-3 die pairing is a well known die variety rarity among Liberty Seated coinage specialist. No Mint State example are known. GFRC is pleased to be offering the finest known V-3 presently known. Previously listed by Valentine and Blythe as a "Medium O". A recent listing by noted Liberty Seated half dime researcher Clint Cummings brings a Large O designation. The mintmark is low and fat with significant edge die erosion from 7:00 to 4:00. The diagnostic V-3 die crack from U(N)ITED to rim is pronounced in this specimen. A choice example with lightly mirrored fields and reflective luster under a bright light. Strike is complete throughout the obverse with some upper wreath weakness on the reverse. The darker in-hand grayish-rose shifts to orange and aquamarine during lighted viewing. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 holder. Pricing a finest known die variety is always difficult as no records exists as guidance. I believe the asking price is fair with offers entertained.
Seated 5C 1852O 1852-O
EF45 NGC
6210598008

Original $350 Challenging Date, Frosted Surfaces, Light Peripheral Gold Toning. New Orleans Seated half dime mintage amounted to only 260,000 piece, a total only bested by the following year's 1853-O No Arrows half dime. Certified populations are tiny with certified numbers struggling to reach double digits in most grades. This new example is freshly grade with frosted surfaces and peripheral gold toning. Strike is typical for the issue. An inexpensive example for those working on a Seated half dime date and mintmark set. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1853 1853
With Arrows
VF30 PCGS
45219606

Choice $100 With Arrows, Choice Surfaces, Crusty Gray. A nicely preserved 1853 with arrows Seated half dime that is strictly original. Unabraded surfaces are crusty as illustrated. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 5C 1854 1854
With Arrows
AU55 PCGS
34289730

Choice $185 With Arrows Type, Crusty Rose-Gray, Choice Surfaces. "Crusty" is the operative word when describing this 1854 With Arrows half dime. A mottled rose-gray skin nicely protects the underlying choice surfaces. Peripheral ebony compliments the lighter shades. Strike is essentially complete and I'm being strict on that call. This offering is for those who enjoy their Seated coinage with completely natural surfaces. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1855 1855
With Arrows
EF40 raw
V-7
R5?
Market Acceptable $225 7 Stripe Shield, Challenging Die Variety, Grayish-Brown Patina, Reverse Porosity, Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection. An interesting 1855 Liberty Seated half dime die variety with extra 7th horizontal shield line. A potential doubled obverse die as all horizontal shield lines are doubled. This doubling adds an extra horizontal line named as the 7th. Steve Crain considered this variety to be an R7 rarity along with Dr. Peterson. Based on conversations with Clint Cummings, an R5 rarity is more appropriate though those that do come to market are impaired with one issue or another. The Peterson specimen is toned an even grayish-brown with heavy obverse verdigris. The reverse has faint porosity and a few rim marks that are toned over. Pricing this piece is difficult as Peterson had a high estimate.
Seated 5C 1856 1856
MS64
PCGS
13806802

Choice HOLD
$550
Near Gem Original, Completely Struck, Multi-Color Iridescent Patina, Active Cartwheels, Accurately Graded. In 1856, arrows were eliminated from silver coinage as most heavier weight coins had been removed from circulation. That year, the Philadelphia Mint produced nearly 5 million half dime but fully struck examples are quite scarce. Many examples show weakness on the denticles. Regardless of the partial obverse denticles, this accurately graded example offers pretty iridescent gold and aquamarine toning along with active cartwheel luster. Other than the denticles, the balance of the coin is fully struck with rounded stars and complete wreath leaves. Surfaces are absolutely original and choice. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval. An ideal example for the collector assembling a complete set of Seated half dimes at the AU/MS level. CAC approval captures the accurate grading, originality and overall eye appeal.
Seated 5C 1857 1857
MS63 PCGS
33890443

Choice $325 Frosted Luster, Aquamarine Rose-Gold, Choice Surfaces. For those collectors focused on the Liberty Seated half dime series, this newly consigned lot might be worth a closer look. Accurately graded with brilliant luster that is in the "satiny" camp since being struck by eroded dies. The obverse is toned a light center rose followed by an aquamarine ring that terminates into gold coloring. The revere is a consistent aquamarine. Strike is essentially complete with only a few stars lacking center points. Surfaces are choice and unabraded. Overall, a pleasing example at a fair offer price. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1858O 1858-O
AU58 raw
V-10
Original $245 Cracked Obverse, Early Die State, Frosty Cartwheels, Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection. Obverse bring eye catching frosty luster while the reverse is more heavily toned with ebony-lavendar colors. The primary V-10 diagnostic die crack proceeds from rim down to Liberty's gown line. There is a fully toned old rim mark at star 3. Just another nice Seated half dime from the Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection.
Seated 5C 1859O 1859-O
MS61 NGC
3165482004

Original $435 Brilliant Frosted Luster, Dancing Cartwheels, Untoned. A newly purchased 1859-O half dime that exhibits substantial amounts of frosted luster and dancing cartwheels. This is a blast white with all the expected luster for a full choice certification. From my 10x review, I see MS63 luster with the faintest of rub on the breasts. The assigned grade is quite fair. This is an offering for bright luster fans. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder.
Seated 5C 1860O 1860-O
MS62 PCGS
84085888

$375 Crusty Olive-Gray Patina, Steely Fields, Accurately Graded. A thoroughly pleasing 1860-O half dime that is strictly and choice for the grade. A thick crusty skin is uniform on both sides but does not completely mute the underlying steely luster. Strike is bold, especially on the obverse, while the reverse was struck by a worn die. Surfaces are pristine. This is a quality lot are a fair price. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1861 1861
MS64 NGC
587137006

Choice $435 Golden Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Heavily Clashed. As one continues to study the Seated half dime series, many dates will exhibit die clashing. The tiny planchet probably stress early steam press equipment dies often being struck without a planchet. The near-gem 1861 half dime exhibits heavy die clashing and an uneven strike which is consistent with the issue. Frosted luster is uniform with a faint layer of golden hues. Housed in NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder.
Seated 5C 1862 1862
AU50 PCGS
37248686

Original $125 Steely Fields, Complete Strike, Clashed Dies, Original Surfaces. Freshly graded with steely fields and a complete strike. There is ample luster given the conservative grade. Nice eye appeal with peripheral copper-gold on both sides. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1863S 1863-S
MS64
NGC
5751080002
V-1
Choice $2250 New November 19! Near-Gem Original, Lakeland Collection.. The first half dime issued at the San Francisco Mint; the 1863-S is a scarce issue with a mintage of exactly 100,000 pieces. Remarkably, the CAC population is half that of the 1863 Philadelphia half dime, even though far fewer pieces (18,000) were struck in Philadelphia. Collectors on the east coast were more active at the time, and San Francisco pieces simply were not saved. This creates an anomaly only recently observed with the advent of the CAC population report. This piece reveals bits of maroon color, especially in the protected areas, with deeper patina evident on the high points of the wreath. V-1, the only variety for this issue. A strong strike brings up virtually complete detail on the wheat stalks. CAC has graded 24 pieces total, with three coins in MS64 and eight examples finer. The CAC price guide value is $2,250. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1864 1864
VF35 PCGS
45018606

Original $1100 New October 13! Civil War Issue, Original Coin Gray, Difficult in Any Grade. With only 48,000 minted, the 1864 Seated half dime issue is one of the more challenging dates in the series. Both Civil War enthusiasts and date and mintmark set collectors require this date and thus raising demand. GFRC is pleased to be offering this accurately graded specimen that has light gray toning. Under my desk lamp, the fields still radiate some reflective luster, especially the lower reverse. Both sides are heavily clashed with a few incremental micro-ticks in the right obverse field. An important opportunity as PCGS has graded only 8 at the offered grade with another 8 in both EF grades. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
Seated 5C 1866P,S 1866-P,S
EF Details raw

Choice $375 Victorian Era Jewelry Buttons, Crusty Original and Choice, AuburnNY Accordian Collection. The AuburnNY Collection is back with a special treat with these 1866 dated half dimes and dime. These are Victorian Era jewelry pieces are buttons with Seated coinage obverse side soldered onto pins. Based on this positioning, the obverses are protected from incremental wear once placed into jewelry status. We have a crusty gray 1866-P (yes, the date slopes up) and two 1866 half dimes with less wear but similair crust. The consignor and GFRC have done our best to price these antiquities but offers are welcomed for the three pieces as one lot.
Seated 5C 1867S 1867-S
AU58
NGC
2108329022

Choice $835 Crusty Light Gray Patina, Better Civil War Era Date, CAC Approval. 1867 Seated half dime production amounted to 120,000 strike at the San Francisco mint. Like prior years, the mintage went into commerce and heavily circulated with choice survivors being quite scarce. CAC has approved only 17 pieces in all grades with three at the AU58 grade level. This specimen will certainly please the selective collector with its light gray crusty patina and reasonable strike. The 1 digit is boldly repunched at the base and flag. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1870 1870
MS65
PCGS OGH
4532642

Gem HOLD
$1050
Old Time Eye Appeal, Partially Mirrored Fields, Gorgeous Gold, Rose, and Greens. What a gorgeous 1870 gem Seated half dime! Partially mirrored field provide a consistent reflective "glow" when placed under a bright. Coloration is intermixed gold-rose and greens that is consistent with my expectations for naturally toned 19th century silver coinage. Surfaces are pristine and unabraded though the strike is a tad weak. A wonderful old time gem that will meet the approval of the most selective collector. Housed in PCGS Gen 3.1 (1993-1998) old green holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1871 1871
MS64 NGC
4211355005

Choice $600 Brilliant White Frosted Luster, Heavily Clashed Dies, Bold Strike, Great Type Coin. 1871 Seated half dime production resulted in 1,873,000 pieces struck. Given this mintage, the date is considered "common" and ideal for a type set. This noteworthy offerings brings a substantial amount of frosted luster along with vibrant cartwheels. Coloration is a pure white with no subtle toning. Both sides exhibit heavy dime clashing along with a bold strike. Surfaces are essentially unabraded and consistent with the certified grade. Overall, a thoroughly pleasing example for those who enjoy early type coin with brilliant luster. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 5C 1872S 1872-S
Below Wreath
MS61 NGC
3415751005

Choice $350 Below Wreath, Choice Original, Subdued Frosted Luster, Sooner Collection. A popular Liberty Seated half dime date that marks the end of circulation strikes. San Francisco strikes will be found with In and Below Wreath mintmark placements. The sooner Collection is back with a Below Wreath offering that sports a light gray skin with golden shades at the periphery. Strike is typical. A minimally abraded piece with soft luster behind the technical grade. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.