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 36 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on May 22, 2023

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 5C 1837 1837
Small Date
MS64 NGC
5742342010
V-4
Choice $1275 Superb Eye Appeal, Ideal Near-Gem Type, Mirror Collection. The 1837 issue is probably the most popular date in the Seated half dime series due to No Stars type status. The date comes with type different date punch styles as this Mirror Collection offering showcases a Small Date (flat top 1). Therefore, NGC made an erroneous attribution as happens with the TPGs. Steely luster radiates from the obverse while the reverse has frosted textures. Pristine fields are validated with a 10x. The highlight, of course, is the attractive toning with aquamarine and rose bathing the obverse. Peripheral copper-gold nicely frames an untoned reverse center. The raised field above and below the toe, and the clash line under TES, along with date position denote the V-4 variety. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
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
Small 5C
AU58
PCGS
33620091
LM-4
Choice $2500 Very Scarce Die Marriage, Natural Preserved Surfaces, Light Crusty Gray. 1837 Capped Bust half dimes are very difficult to obtain and the most challenging date of the series. The LM-4 die marriage is scarce with an R-3 rarity rating. High grade examples are always in demand as this is the only Small 5C die marriage for the year. GFRC is pleased to be offering a naturally preserved example with moderate crusty gray patina and steely fields. Bright light inspection reveals embedded gold along with pristine fields. The upper loops of S1 and S2 are filled consistent with the variety. An important offering that warrants attention by those pursuing CBHD die varieties. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1838 1838
No Drapery
MS65
PCGS
25351181

Gem $1825 No Drapery Type, Steely Luster, Pretty Copper-Gold, Aquamarine and Gray Coloration, Nice Gem. The second year of Liberty Seated half dime and dime production brought stars to the obverse with No Drapery type designation. This 1838 gem would certainly qualify for inclusion into an advanced type set or regular series set. Steely gray best describes the base toning color with overlaid copper-gold and aquamarine. This coloration validates the originality. Stars 2 and 9 show repunching for those wishing to check the die variety. I suggest that you use Clint Cummins under construction reference at www.lssccweb.or. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) with CAC approval.
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
MS64 NGC
1667623005

Choice $900 No Drapery Type, Superb Eye Appeal, Multi-Color Patina, Hammered Strike. The say that "every picture tells a story" which is the case for this superbly toned 1839 No Drapery half dime. Under the multi-color toning is original mint bloom that yields crisp frosted luster during angled light inspection. Strike is hammered with deeply impressed motifs. Every color of the rainbow is intermixed on this near-gem. The question becomes that of storage leading to this type of toning pattern. That is where the story remains to be finished by the next owner. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1840O 1840-O
No Drapery, Small O
AU Details PCGS
38750396
V-4
Market Acceptable $220 No Drapery, V-4, Small O, Golden-Gray Patina, Original Surfaces, Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection . I'm still on the fence concerning the AU Details grade for this well struck and nicely toned 1840-O No Drapery half dime. Obverse is toned a uniform gray-gold with the gold being richly displayed at the periophery. Reverse coloring is light gray-rose. The likely reasons for the Details grade are some faint horizontal lines in the reverse fields and a toning color difference with the obverse. Strike is boldly executed and pleasing. Clint Cummins attributes this half dime as V-4 with date far right and repunching on stars 1, 2, 5, and 6. Freshly graded and housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 holder. Plucked from Dr. Glenn Peterson Dansco album collection.
Seated 5C 1840O 1840-O
No Drapery, Small O
VG08 raw
V-6
Original $200 New Orleans Collection, Transitional Open Bud Reverse. A Small O open bud is found on the V-6 variety. The offered example is original medium gray. Tone over lines are seen on the lower obverse. Reverse is boldly struck and details are consistent with higher grade.
Seated 5C 1841 1841
MS65 NGC Fatty
247346016

Gem $1000 Unquestionable Gem, Scarce Grade, Natural Coin Gray, Hammered Strike. 1841 dated Seated half dimes are not particular challenging in circulated grades. However, at the gem level the date is quite scarce as most are locked away in collections. The last PCGS auction appearance was back in 2016. This example brings classic coin gray toning and steely textured fields into play. Strike is hammered with all intricate device details nicely impressed. Angled lighting soften the toning to golden hues and nice reflectance. Housed in NGC 4 (1989-1991) no line holder with green bordered label. The reverse holder hologram is partial.
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 1843 1843
AU55 PCGS
43207866

Original HOLD
$260
Sparkling Luster, Copper-Gold Shades, Near-Choice. Sparkling luster is the highlight of this attractive 1843 half dime. I was pleasant surprise to see absolutely no die cracks on the reverse and this date is known for problematic die steel across all Seated denominations. The peripheral obverse gold coloring turns to copper-gold across the reverse. Strike is complete with bold motifs. A line in the right obverse field precludes a choice quality rating though the eye appeal is compelling at grade. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder.
Seated 5C 1844O 1844-O
VF30
NGC
4923934025
V-2
Choice $1250 New April 24! 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 1846 1846
EF45
NGC
3813006003

Choice $5750 Choice Original, Newtown Collection. The 1846 is the well-known stopper within the half dime series, and even the finest known example comes in at MS63, while the Gardner collection included an MS62 piece. Surfaces reveal residual, steely luster, with gray and silver-colored devices surrounded by deeper shades in the protected areas. The CAC population is 40 pieces, with just four examples higher. This represents an important offering - an example of a rare issue that stands within the CAC condition census. Housed in a newer NGC holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1848 1848
Medium Date
AU58 NGC
6067755004

Original $280 Medium Date, Frosted Luster, Rose Gray Peripheral Toning. This 1848 Medium Date half dime presents pleasing frosted luster along with peripheral rose-gray toning. Bright light exposure reveals a color shift to uniform rose-gold with hints of orange. Fully struck from clashed dies. The clashing is most obvious on the upper left reverse. Nicely preserved and so close to being fully choice. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
Seated 5C 1848O 1848-O
MS64
NGC
20612502
V-4
Choice $2350 Condition census V-4 Small O Example, Very Rare Grade, Frosty Cartwheel Luster, Rose, Gold and Blue Patina, Hammered Strike, Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection. The V-4 Small O reverse is a well recognized die variety rarity among passionate Liberty Seated half dime collectors. Al Bylthe, in his DLRC Press guidebook, rates the V-4 as R7 rarity in mint state as few example are known. Now opportunity comes knocking with this gorgeous MS64 example that has been award CAC green bean approval. One look and you will immediately understand why. Surfaces emit ample frosty cartwheel luster. The transparent rose-gold and blue patina partial melts away under a light source. Strike is hammered on both sides with high relief stars and every vein in the wreath leaves being boldly impressed. There are no blemishes whatsoever to report. Accurately graded and housed in old NGC holder with standard ring insert. A quality offering from the Dr. Glenn Peterson Collection that will please the most selective Seated half dime collectors.
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
MS64 PCGS
34808190

Choice $600 With Arrows Type, Steely Frosted Luster, Light Gold Patina, A Pleasing Near-Gem, Mirror Collection. An accurately graded 1853 With Arrows dime with superb preservation. Steely-frosted luster becomes readily apparent when placing this near-gem under bright light. The in-hand gold patina melts away to expose the underlying luster along with vibrant cartwheels. Faint "dirt" is visible on the motifs and validates the strict originality. Strike is complete from lightly worn dies. Fairly priced for the quality. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1853 1853
No Arrows
MS63 PCGS
46441072

Choice $1750 New April 11! No Arrows Type, Frosted Luster, Hammered Strike. Only 135,000 1853 No Arrows half dimes were struck before the silver arbitrage of that period brought about a planchet weight reduction. Afterwards, the placement of arrows at the date resulted in over 13 million pieces being struck. The roughly 10:1 ratio makes the No Arrows an important type variety that is not that often seen. GFRC was able to secure a choice Mint State example with lovely burnt orange gold radial patina and strictly original frosted luster. Luster is more vibrant on the reverse during bright light assessment since the obverse patina is quite thick. Strike is hammered and compliments the toning. A strong example that I was excited about as fresh inventory. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) 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 $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 1856 1856
MS64
PCGS
38541759

Gem $650 Exceptional Eye Appeal, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Gem Original, Mirror Collection. Let's start this description with an immediate JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation as this is one of the finest 1856 half dimes I've seen while operating GFRC. This date typically comes weakly or unevenly struck with partial denticles. The Mirror Collection has released a splendid example with tons of eye appeal. Luster is brilliant and richly frosted. The obverse strike is hammered but with the usual partial or missing denticles. Delicate motifs are seen on the reverse and are a function of a shallow working die hub rather than strike weakness. Just a fantastic example that will be appreciated for years. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with fresh CAC approval.
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 New May 22! 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
MS67
PCGS
44275510

Gem $7850 Extensive Mint Bloom, Dazzling Cartwheels, Gem Original, None Finer CAC Approved . Consignor Buyout - Price Reduction. Thick, granular frosted luster and dancing cartwheels are immediately evident with the slightest flip of the coin in angled light. Fields exhibit forest-green shading with russet and gold patina at the rims. The CAC population is 72 pieces in all grades, with just two examples approved at the MS67 level and none higher. This is the sole finest coin in the PCGS census, and a more appealing representative of the type is hard to imagine. The overall eye appeal is difficult to overstate, and this piece would be an important addition to an advanced collection. Priced attractively below the CDN CAC guide. Entirely fresh to market from a western state bank box discovery. GFRC images can only hint at the natural beauty and extensive mint bloom. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 holder with CAC approval.
Seated 5C 1862 1862
MS66 NGC
4464473018

Gem $800 Impressive Eye Appeal, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Copper-Rose Toning, Fully Struck. This impressive 1862 Seated half dime is yet another lot as purchased from the "Top of the Ladder" portion of a long term client's collection. Copper-rose patina graces both sides but still remains transparent to the underlying luster which has a frosted texture. As one would expect for the certified grade, this piece offers vibrant cartwheels and pristine surfaces. Strike is complete from heavily clashed dies. A super candidate for a type set as compared to the many frosty white examples often encountered at this grade level. Housed in new large font NGC holder without a CAC review.
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
AU53 NGC
61169003
F-102
Choice $485 Tough Civil War San Francisco Date, Residual Frosted Luster, Choice Original, Lakeland Collection. As the Civil War was being fought in the eastern United States, the San Francisco mint continued to strike dimes during 1863 with 100,000 produced. That mintage went into western frontier circulation and remained there. Present day survivors are very scarce, especially at the AU and Mint State grades. The Lakeland Collection is releasing a frosted example with light rose colored luster and moderate cartwheels. Strike is well executed for the issue. Housed in NGC Gen 5 (1992-1995) holder.
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 1868 1868
MS63 NGC
2629086003

Choice $850 Low Mintage Philadelphia Date, Partially Mirrored, Sharp Reflective Luster, First Rate Eye Appeal, Mirror Collection. The 1868 Liberty Seated half dime issue was limited to only 88,600 strikes making this a better Philadelphia date. The Mirror Collection is releasing a sweet example with partially mirrored that offer sharp reflective luster when placed under a bright light. This little silver piece really lights up and exposes rose-orange pastel shades on the obverse while the reverse has deep center rose and peripheral blues. Strike is hammered and will please fans of boldly defined design elements. Dies are heavily clashed. There is one contact mark in the right obverse field that is mentioned for completeness. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
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
MS63 PCGS
40902772
V-8a
Choice HOLD
$400
Below Wreath, Brilliant White Luster, Swirling Cartwheels, Faint Gold, Clashed Dies, Mirror Collection. White frosted luster and swirling cartwheels explode off this lovely 1872-S half dime. The luster is totally brilliant and eye catching with some angled lighting. Design elements are deeply impressed and most pleasing. A few faint field lines are consistent with the certified grade. If your collecting forte is acquiring luster bombs, then check out this Mirror Collection offering carefully. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
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
MS66 NGC
654799007

Gem $1500 Final Issue Year, Brilliant Satiny Luster, Aquamarine Rose-Gold, Superb Gem. 1873 brought the final year of Seated half dime production as the nickel five cent piece had proven to the accepted in commerce. Mintage amounted to 712,000 piece with most Mint State survivors found at the MS62-MS64 level. At superb gem, this date becomes rare and the basis for adding to GFRC inventory. Bright light inspection reveals brilliant luster that presents a satiny texture. Both sides are similarly toned with aquamarine-gold being prevalent on the obverse and aquamarine-rose on the reverse. The toning is quite transparent to the underlying luster. Die clashing is readily evident on both sides along with unabraded fields. A recent new purchase and fairly priced. This one has not been to CAC. Housed in new large font NGC holder.