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 21 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on November 30, 2024

Photo Date Grade TPG Variety GFRC Rating Price Description Buy
Seated 5C 1837 1837
No Stars, Small Date
MS62
NGC
3178700006
V-5
Choice HOLD
$935
No Stars Type, Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Ample steely luster radiates from the surfaces of this Small Date example. Russet patina is evident on both sides, more so on the reverse, and the overall eye appeal is exceptional. Nicely struck, with a full head and defined leaf elements. V-5, with the top of 1 decidedly flatter than on the Large Stars variety. CAC notes seven pieces in MS62 and 53 examples finer. The CAC price guide in MS62 is $1,140. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #4312
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 1837 1837
No Stars, Small Date
AU53 NGC
2018157004

Original $500 Small Date, Steely Fields, Residual Reflective Luster, Natural Coin Gray. The steely fields on this 1837 Small Date half dime are readily apparent when first viewed under a bright light as the reflective luster is quite notable. Surfaces are toned a light coin gray and are close to unabraded other than a contact mark between the head and Liberty cap. A small reverse die cud is seen at (A)MERICA and should facilitate a straightforward die variety attribution. Part of a large consignment that was insourced at the 2024 Spring Sarasota Coin Show. Housed in NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) holder.
Seated 5C 1838 1838
No Drapery, Large Stars
MS65 NGC
6815561003

Gem $1350 Large Stars, Gem Original, City by The Bay Collection.. Evergreen and russet colors mix on both sides of this No Drapery half dime, and the eye appeal is consistent with the GFRC Gem rating. Apart from the dentils, this is a sharply struck piece. with full head detail and a split bow knot. A radial die crack is evident at star 13. NGC has certified 77 coins at the MS65 level, with an equal number of pieces finer. The NGC price guide value is $1,950. Housed in a new large font NGC holder. PCGS #4317.
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 $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
Small Stars
AU53 NGC
3675258002
V-2
Original HOLD
$330
Scarce Small Stars Variety, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Heavily Worn Dies, Sooner Collection. Ron Guth, as part of the PCGS Price guide and CoinFacts has indicated that a "true" 1838 Small Stars half dime is about ten times as rare as the omnipresent Large Stars. This conclusion makes sense as the "small stars" are the result of heavy die polishing and not a separate die pair. A "true" Small Stars must exhibit a heavily eroded obverse die and a long die crack through star 1 into rim. This Sooner example is a "true" Small Stars with brilliant steely-frosted luster and light gold patina, The obverse stars are barely visible and indicative of a very late die state. Heavy die clashing is seen on the reverse. One stray line on the upper reverse holds back a Choice quality rating. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
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 1840 1840
No Drapery
MS64 PCGS
35281592

Choice $825 Popular No Drapery Type Date, Granular Frosted Luster, Near-Gem Original, Mirror Collection.. The surfaces on this 1840 No Drapery Seated half dime are layered with aquamarine and copper-gold shades resulting in a lightly crusted appearance on the obverse. The aquamarine is much more predominant on the reverse. Under a bright light, luster is best described as steely-frosted with a soft even glow. The strike is completely executed as is expected for the earlier production years. Surfaces are unabraded with two diagonal toning lines in the lower right reverse wreath that are barely discernable on the GFRC image. Overall, a choice example for those building a date set or simply wishing to delved into Seated type collecting. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1840 1840
No Drapery
AU55 PCGS
81332878

Original $285 New October 19! No Drapery, Frosty Lusrter, Light Wear, Near-Choice Original, Lakeland Collection. Soft frosted luster is noted on both sides of this nicely preserved 1840 No Drapery half dime. The surfaces are gray with light gold toning being more prevalent at the borders. Scattered field ticks are noted and consistent with a brief time in circulation. Please note that the reverse image has enhanced blue shades while the coin in hand presents more pronounced golden hues. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
Seated 5C 1842 1842
MS65 NGC
3218421017

Gem $1250 Sparkling Frosted Luster, Light Gold, Hammered Strike, A True Gem, Mirror Collection.. The Mirror Collection returns to the GFRC price list with another tranche of Seated half dime duplicates. As our consignor's core collection improves, so do the duplicates as showcased by this gem original 1842 specimen. GFRC images accurately capture the hammered strike and only hint at the sparkling frosted luster. Pristine obverse surfaces are thoroughly pleasing while the reverse is lightly clashed with a few micro ticks scattered about. Toning is a light gold with darker shades at the periphery. I'm a fan of this Mirror duplicate and believe the new owner will be too! Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
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 1853O 1853-O
No Arrows
VF20 PCGS
39744248

Choice HOLD
$1350
Key Date, No Arrows Variety, Crusty Gray Patina, Fairly Graded. Consignor Price Reduction. GFRC is pleased to offer a Liberty Seated half dime key date that is only exceed by the 1846 Philadelphia issue in terms of rarity. Only160,000 piece were struck with the No Arrows obverse with heavy circulation in the deep South leaving few survivors for present day collectors. The date is easily recognized by extensive obverse die polishing resulting in a weak date with lower grade circulated examples having a missing 1 digit. This example presents crusty original surfaces with moderate wear. Both sides are toned an even gray with lighter shades on the obverse high points. A 10x review revealed essentially unabraded surfaces resulting in a GFRC-Choice quality rating. With the price reduction, this lot is price slightly above CDN bid and an opportunity for the astute collector. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder.
Seated 5C 1854 1854
With Arrows
MS62 PCGS
27830371

Choice HOLD
$235
With Arrows, Satiny Radiance, Heavily Eroded Dies, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection. This Sooner Collection release, an 1854 Arrows half dimes, brings robust satiny radiance under a bright light. Dies are heavily eroded, more so on the obverse, which results in the satiny textures. Regardless of the "pebble" textured dies, the strike is crisp. Surfaces are unabraded too. Attractively priced. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) holder.
Seated 5C 1856O 1856-O
MS62 NGC
618003012
V-10a
Choice $675 New November 30! 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 1858O 1858-O
MS65 NGC
3061335004

Gem $1250 Gem Type Offering, Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Superb Presentation, Mirror Collection.. 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 1859O 1859-O
MS64 PCGS
39234277

Choice $1075 Frosted Luster, Paquet Hubbed Design, Choice Original, Mirror Collection.. 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 1859O 1859-O
MS61 NGC
3165482004

Original HOLD
$400
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 1862 1862
MS67 NGC
3603610003

Gem $1850 Sharp Reflectance, Mirrored Fields, Peripheral Gold, Super Gem, Mirror Collection.. 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 1865S 1865-S
MS61 NGC Fatty
131000004
V-1a
Choice $1750 Important Civil War Era Offering, Steely Reflective Luster, Ring Toning, Mirror Collection.. The final offering in the latest Mirror Collection duplicates release is an important 1865 San Francisco strike with steely frosted luster. Mintage for the date is only 120,000 with nearly all of the issue reaching western frontier circulation. Mint State survivors are infrequently seen therefore an opportunity for fans of the half dime series. This example's visuals are equally impressive in-hand or under a bright light. GFRC images showcase the rich copper fold ring toning while a bright light activates steely gray luster. Die variety collectors should pay attention as this is the V-1a die state with heavy clashed and die cracked reverse. Fairly priced for the overall quality. Housed in NGC Gen 3 (1987-1989) no line brown label Fatty 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.
Image Available Soon 1868-S
MS64
PCGS
81164844

Choice HOLD
$1100
New November 13! Compelling Eye Appeal, Frosted Luster, Complete Strike. A totally original 1868-S half dime with pleasing frosted luster and bold strike. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder with CAC approval. Bought and sold at the 2024 Winter Baltimore show, therefore no images.
Seated 5C 1872 1872
PF64
CACG
706625039

Gem $950 New November 20! 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
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.