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 April 6, 2025

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 5C 1837 1837
No Stars, Small Date
MS64+ PCGS
84754725

Gem $1850 Small Date, Frosted Luster, Obverse Golden Splash, Gem Original, Mirror Collection. We open the newest Mirror Collection consignment release with a gem 1838 Small Date offering that presents consistent frosted luster with a splash of gold toning on the upper left obverse. As is typical with the 1837 half dime and dime issues, the strike is completely executed. Bright light exposure activates notable cartwheels. This lot was struck with a late die state obverse die that exhibits "spalling" through the right upright arm and lower leg. "Spalling" is a die erosion condition where the die steel disintegrates rather than cracking. A quality release that would fit nicely into a type set or full date and mintmark project. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1837 1837
No Stars, Large Date
AU58 NGC
2179094006
V-1
Choice $650 Large Date, Triple Punched Date,. Steely gray fields are overlaid with deep maroon and green toning on this eye appealing 1837 half dime. The steely reflectance is notable under angled lighting. The strike is completely executed as is typical for the Philadelphia No Stars issues. The Large Date punch is same as used for Capped Bust half dimes and labeled as a "Fancy 8". The V-1 die variety is easily diagnosed by a triple punched date including two additional bottom loops of the 8 digit. Housed in new large font NGC holder with the 1837/1837 VP-001 die variety attribution. A new Sheffield Collection release.
Seated 5C 1838 1838
No Drapery, Small Stars
MS64 PCGS
46453734

Choice $1650 Small Stars, Very Late Die State, Frosted Luster, Nice Cartwheels, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. GFRC is thrilled to be offering yet another 1838 Small Stars half dimes as released from the Lakeland Collection. The "small stars" result from a regular large stars obverse die being lapped due to extended usage resulting in die rust pitting, clashing, and the all important die crack in the right obverse field. This obverse die is lapped in an attempt to remove some of the damage and results in weak and "smaller" sized stars. Obverse and reverse die clashing, a weak date punched and the all important die crack at star 13 are the key diagnostics. This example is a case study for the late die state conditions and is sure to please the specialist. Under a bright light, the surface radiate frosted luster, with bluish-gold noted on the obverse while the reverse features center aquamarine surround by gold between the wreath and rim. Cartwheels are active and certainly pleasing. A CAC approved NGC MS64 example recently sold for $2852 as a reference. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder without a CAC attempt.
Seated 5C 1838 1838
No Drapery, Large Stars
MS64
NGC
2685622002

Choice $1400 Creamy Frosted Luster, Complete Strike, Near-Gem, CAC Approved. Consignor Price Reduction - 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, Small Stars
AU55 NGC
6099831013

Choice $395 New March 18! Small Stars, Crusty Coin Gray, Choice Original, Sooner Collection. By now, the Liberty Seated community should understand that the 1838 "Small Stars" half dime is not a date punch size variety, but rather the product of a heavily rusted obverse die with reduced star outlines due to die lapping. This is a crusty example with natural coin gray patina that is thicker on the reverse. The lighter obverse toning provides for soft satiny luster to radiate. This is a classic Small Stars with heavy die rust and the die crack from the right facing arm to star 13. The surfaces are unabraded with the usual reverse die clashing. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1839O 1839-O
No Drapery
MS61 NGC
1808864005
V-5
Choice $1350 No Drapery, Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Pale blue and slate patina fill the rims of this crusty example, accompanied by rose-gray color at the centers and light dirt in the shield. Bits of emerald shade hide in the protected areas. A couple stars to the left are softly impressed. V-5, with obverse die cracks below the rock and at star 4, and a reverse crack at (UN)I(TED). The NGC census notes six coins in MS61 and 34 pieces finer. The NGC price guide indicates a value of $1,275. Housed in NGC Gen 14 (2003-2004) holder. PCGS #4320
Seated 5C 1843 1843
MS65+ NGC
4882299003

Gem $1600 Gem Original Example, Steely Reflectance, Hammered Strike, Mirror Collection. The 1843 Philadelphia half dime date falls into the "common" category with a mintage of slightly over one million. In full gem or better, the date becomes scarce. The Mirror Collection is releasing a GFRC-Gem rated example with orange-gray hues and a strong showing of steely reflectance. Vertical die striations are noted with a 10x under a bright light. Strike is hammered with all device fully impressed. The NGC grading is accurate for this strictly original offering. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1845 1845
MS63 NGC
372805005
V-6
Choice $425 New March 18! Steely Reflectance, Complete Strike, Fully Choice, Sooner Collection. Sharp steely reflectivity is the primary highlight of this choice original 1845 V-6 half dime along with light pastel rose and gold hues. A complete strike is noted under a 10x along with unabraded surfaces. The certified grade is a function of luster, an accurate assessment though the eye appeal is high. Another premium release from the Sooner Collection. Housed in NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder.
Seated 5C 1848O 1848-O
MS66 NGC
6060839007
V-4
Gem $3750 Gem Original, Mirror Collection. The 1840s Seated half dime coinage tends to be boldly impressed, and this piece is no exception with design details rising sharply above the fields. Completely detailed stars are elevated from the planchet and surround the figure of Liberty in high relief. The satiny luster is exceptional along with vibrant cartwheel as the coin is tilted under a bright light. This Mirror Collection release is essentially untoned with a hint of gold at the rims. V-4, with the date starting in the rock and sloping down to the right, while the mintmark is small, thick, and nearly circular. The V-4 Small O reverse is a well recognized die variety rarity within the Liberty Seated community. Al Blythe, in his DLRC Press guidebook, rates the V-4 as R7 rarity in Mint State as few example are known. Opportunity with the possibility of acquiring a condition census specimen. Housed in new large font NGC 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 1853 1853
With Arrows
AU53 NGC
3712519003

Original $135 With Arrows Type, Frosted Luster, Eroded Dies. An 1853 With Arrows half dime that was struck from eroded dies leading to soft device details. Under a bright light, the surfaces radiate nice satiny luster. Accurately graded and housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 5C 1856O 1856-O
MS62 NGC
618003012
V-10a
Choice $675 Heavily Clashed, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Fully Struck and Choice, Sooner Collection. Liberty Seated half dime collectors should take note of this exciting 1856-O V-10a specimen with one of the heaviest die clashes seen on Seated coinage. The obverse die, when struck by the reverse die due to no planchet in the feeder mechanism, has been imprinted with the full outline of the reverse wreath. Both the left and right obverse fields exhibits complete outlines of the reverse motifs. This is a brilliant frosted example that is complete struck other than the typical denticle weakness, a chronic issue for both the Philadelphia and New Orleans dates. Surfaces are well preserved and unabraded. This is a lot of coin at the offer price. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder.
Seated 5C 1857O 1857-O
MS64 NGC Fatty
211229005
V-1
Choice $1100 Near-Gem Original, Sooner Collection.. Frosty fields host thick tan and midnight blue patina, and the toning is unquestionably natural. A mark on the jaw precludes CAC consideration, but the originality and in-hand pop are otherwise consistent with CAC certification. V-1, with a large mintmark punched low. NGC notes 41 coins in MS64 and 49 examples finer. The NGC price guide is $725 in MS64, advancing to $1,800 in MS65. This GFRC-rated near-Gem example is strong for an MS64 piece and represents an optimal grade acquisition, given the valuation jump at the MS65 level. Housed in NGC Gen 4 (1989-1992) no line Fatty holder with green label. PCGS #4366
Seated 5C 1858 1858
MS66 NGC
6271747006

Gem $1000 Superb Eye Appeal, Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Unquestionable Gem, Mirror Collection. The 1858 Seated half dime is one of the more common dates in the series and ideal for type. This impressive Mirror Collection release offers superb eye appeal including brilliant frosted luster and vibrant cartwheels. The bullseye toning features an essentially untoned center surrounded by an initial green ring that transitions to pewter-gold at the peripheries. The overall strike is deeply impressed with heavily clashed dies on both sides. Wire rims are also noted. The PCGS price guide has recently been updated $1200 with this lot's offer price being very fair for the overall presentation and eye appeal. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1858O 1858-O
MS65 NGC
3061335004

Gem $1150 Gem Type Offering, Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Superb Presentation, Mirror Collection.. Consignor Price Reduction - What a pleasure it is to handle Mirror Collection duplicates! Case in point is this 1858-O Seated half dime that offers glowing frosted luster that is sure to please the selective collector. Active cartwheels are noted under a bright light along with the intermixed rose-gold patina that is deeper on the reverse. The coin in-hand is much nicer than the illustration which lacks the ability to showcase luster. This piece has multiple die clashing events on both sides. Accurately graded and a welcomed addition to an advanced collection. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 5C 1858O 1858-O
MS64
PCGS
21891928
V-1
Choice $825 Better Date, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Choice Original, CAC Approved, New Orleans Collection.. The New Orleans Collection continues to release duplicates including this pleasing 1858-O half dime candidate for a Mint State type set or a more comprehensive date and mintmark project. This near gem exhibits thick frosted luster on both sides without interruption under a bright light. Surfaces are unabraded and visually pleasing. Strike is nearly complete with only the right obverse stars showing mild weakness. Golden hues are a bit richer at the borders. A premium example that is certain to satisfy. the CAC price guide is currently $775 as reference. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.3 (2004) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1859O 1859-O
MS64 PCGS
39234277

Choice $985 Frosted Luster, Paquet Hubbed Design, Choice Original, Mirror Collection.. Consignor Price Reduction - 1859 brought the introduction of the Anthony Paquet rendition of the Christian Gobrecht initial design. The Paquet interpretation was short lived and is collected as a one year type piece. This Mirror Collection duplicate is notable for its brilliant frosted luster under a bright light. Swirling cartwheels are equally impressive along with light gold toning. The certified grade is a function of lightly (multiple) clashed fields with intermixed faint chatter. Bottomline, this example is primarily a type coin and luster play for those seeking a Mint State example of the Paquet engraving artistry. The New Orleans struck example is better with a mintage of 560,000. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1862 1862
MS67 NGC
3603610003

Gem $1700 Sharp Reflectance, Mirrored Fields, Peripheral Gold, Super Gem, Mirror Collection.. Consignor Price Reduction - This exceptional Mirror Collection duplicate exhibits semi-prooflike reflectivity in the fields that forms a splendid backdrop to smartly impressed, frosty-textured design elements. Perpherical golden shades further showcase the mirrors under a bright light. Both sides are crisply struck with bold die clashing. Circulation strike half dime production remained strong at the Philadelphia Mint in 1862, regardless that by early summer, silver had disapHopusedpeared from circulation in the East and Midwest due to the Civil War uncertainties. Housed in a newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
Seated 5C 1864S 1864-S
MS61 NGC
6613149013

Choice $1475 New April 5! Rare Civil War San Francisco Date, Choice Original, Lakeland Collection.. Liberty Seated half dime collectors infrequently see the 1864-S date as mintage was a tiny 90,000 pieces. The rough mining community conditions left few survivors for present day collectors. The Lakeland Collection is releasing one of its duplicate Civil War pieces back to the marketplace after purchasing from GFRC during June 2024. Originally from the Mirror Collection and promptly scooped up by out mother and son collecting team. Both sides present steely fields with consistent luster and toning front and back, a testament to the originality. A few ancient contact marks are noted on the obverse but fully toned. The MS61 grade is quite fair for this noteworthy lot. The June 2024 purchase can be found in the Sales Archive. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1864S 1864-S
AU58 NGC
413108006

Original $1000 New April 6! Rare Civil War Date, Steely Fields, Light Gray, Lakeland Collection.. Steely luster radiates from both sides of this challenging Civil War era half dime date. Another Lakeland Collection release, this 1864-S half issue has a limited mintage of 90,000 pieces. The strike is complete on this near-choice original example. Light gray surfaces are noted with peripheral gold more prevalent on the reverse. Light rub is noted on the obverse high points and within the fields. Fairly priced along with being certified at the Everyman's collecting grade. Housed in NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder.
Seated 5C 1865S 1865-S
AU58 PCGS
42456867

Choice $1300 New April 5! Superb Presentation, Challenging Civil War Issue, Near-Gem Original, Lakeland Collection.. A marvelous 1865-S half dime, from the Lakeland Collection, with a mintage of only 120,000. The story is the same for all Civil War era San Francisco issues in that there was a strong demand for smaller silver denominations to support western frontier commerce. This date's mintage primarily went into circulation with a minimal number of Mint State survivors extant. This example radiates frosted luster with orange-gold and rose toning on the unabraded surfaces. Strike is deeply impressed with heavy die clashing on both sides. This half dime is a worthy inclusion into an advanced coinage and warrants a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation. Previously sold October 2021 via Stack's Bowers online auction where it realized $1320. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2025) 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 1866S 1866-S
MS64 NGC
215946001

Choice $1575 Challenging San Francisco Issue, Frosted Luster, Bright Light Eye Appeal, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. The 1866-S half dime is yet another duplicate release from the Lakeland Collection, a Civil War centric project. Mintage for the date is only 120,000 with survival rates being very low as could be expected for a small silver piece. This example was specially preserved given its frosted luster and pristine surfaces. Full enjoyment occurs under a bright light as the obverse shifts to center rose and peripheral blues. These colors are obviously repeated on the reverse in a bold manner. An unquestionably original example that belongs in an advanced Seated half dime set. Housed in NGC Gen 4 (1989-1992) no line brown label Fatty holder.
Seated 5C 1867 1867
MS67+ NGC
6060853004

Gem $10950 Condition Census, Key Date, Heavily Striated Dies, Mirror Collection. The Condition Census 1867 example is the primary highlight of the Mirror Collection release and an important opportunity. showing well-struck devices and sharply reflective fields. This is a beautifully toned coin, the peripheries ringed in iridescent cobalt-blue and reddish-orange patina that frames brilliant centers. A proof like specimen that is fully struck, save for AL of HALF at the center of the reverse. Heavy vertical die striations are prominent under a 10x along with clash marks, which are not unusual for the issue. NGC reports just four 1867 half dimes in Superb Gem condition, two of which are Prooflike. An important acquisition opportunity to collectors to view the Civil War era extending through 1867. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1872 1872
PF64
CACG
706625039

Gem $950 Watery Mirrored, Colorful Presentation, Pristine Surfaces, Fresh CACG Grading. 1872 Liberty Seated half dimes proof strikes totaled 950 pieces. This survivor has been meticulous preserved leading to a host of positive attributes. First are the watery mirrors noted under a bright light along with colorful toning that consists of blues, aquamarine, and gold on the obverse while the reverse presents a rose center surrounded by green-gold overlaying the wreath. Second are the pristine surfaces without any traces of a single hairline. Finally, the strike is fully executed along with partial wire rims. The watery mirrors will be thoroughly enjoyed under a bright light. The lovely little half dime has been conservatively graded and is housed in new CAC Grading holder and graded consistent with CAC approval standards.
Seated 5C 1872S 1872-S
In Wreath
MS65
NGC
3041167003

Gem $775 New March 9! In Wreath, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Swirling Cartwheels, Gem Original, Sheffield Collection. This 1872-S In Wreath half dime will provide Seated collectors with years of viewing pleasure. An irrefutable gem with brilliant frosted luster and swirling cartwheels under a bright light. Both sides are heavily clashed with a rotated reverse. The strike is 100% complete with fully defined devices. A die crack from Liberty's head into the upper right denticles is noted. Whether assembling a date and mintmark set or just shopping for type, this Sheffield Collection release is guaranteed to please. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder with CAC approval.
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.
Seated 5C 1873 1873
PR62 PCGS
20460824

Choice $475 Undisturbed Proof Mirrors, Choice Overall, Sooner Collection. 1873 brought the final year of the Liberty Seated half dime denomination as the country phased into a nickel: copper alloy for its 5 cent coinage. This Sooner Collection release presents copper-gray visuals with undisturbed mirrors. Viewing this piece with a 10x is a joy as the fields are free from any abrasions. The overall strike is crisp with detailed motifs. Only 600 proof strikes were issued. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with Teich Family Collection pedigree listed on the label.
Seated 5C 1873 1873
MS66 PCGS
38288254

Gem $1750 Final Year of Issue, Flashy Frosted Radiance, Gem Original, Mirror Collection. 1873 brought the elimination of the silver half dime denomination as the Shield nickel had been struck since 1866 and proven to be a successful replacement. This last year of issue example is accurately graded and compelling. Under a bright light. the steely-frosted radiance is quite "flashy" coupled with spinning cartwheels. Don't let the darker blue and greenish-gray toning, as seen in the GFRC images, discourage you from considering a purchase. This little gem lights up in a big way with angled lighting and provides an exceptional presentation. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1895O 1895-O
VF35 PCGS
04616529

Choice $2250 Key Date, Low Mintage, Choice Original, New Orleans Collection.. Only 440,000 1895 dated Barber dimes were coined at the New Orleans mint, making it one of the lowest mintage issue of the series. As a result, the date carries a premium for circulated example and is very difficult in Mint State. The New Orleans Collection continues its duplicates release with this key date lot. Surfaces are toned with gray hues along with embedded olive and gold under angled lighting. For those enjoying their barber dimes under a 10x, the motifs and fields are unabraded and pleasing. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.