Seated Liberty Half Dollars
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar has always been one of my favorite half dollars. During this time period, the Seated Liberty (or “Goddess of Liberty”) was on almost every coin including the half dime, dime, twenty cent piece, quarter, half dollar, and the dollar. Each one of these coins is a beauty in their own right.
Typically, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a fairly common coin to find. It is a difficult coin to fine in very good condition though. The vast majority of the time, the wording “Liberty” has been worn from the shield on the obverse of the coin and the shield and eagle’s feathers have been worn down significantly on the reverse of the coin.
Below are two beautiful halves that I purchased recently and a description of each.
Above is an 1847 Seated Liberty Half Dollar minted in Philadelphia. That year, there were 1,156,000 minted in Philadelphia. It has a 30 millimeter diameter and weighs 13.36 grams. The designers were Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht. The edge is reeded and it is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Above is an 1844-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar minted in New Orleans. That year, there were 2,005,000 minted in New Orleans. It has a 30 millimeter diameter and weighs 13.36 grams. The designers were Thomas Sully and Christian Gobrecht. The edge is reeded and it is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
For an in-depth overview of Liberty Seated Half Dollars CLICK HERE.