Seated Liberty Half Dime (1837-1873)

Mint Location: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City
Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Composition: 90 silver; 10% copper
Weight: 1.34g, after 1853 1.24g
Edge Type: Reeded

The obverse depicts the figure of Liberty seated on a rock, her left hand holding a liberty cap on a pole and her right hand holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY. The date is at the bottom border. 13 stars were added in 1838

The reverse consists of an open wreath tied with a ribbon, enclosing HALF DIME, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding.

There are five Types of the coin: Type 1, No Stars (1837-1838), Type 2, No Drapery (1838-1840), Type 3, Stars on Obverse (1840-1859), Type 4, Arrows at Date (1853-1855), Type 5, Legend Obverse (1860-1873)

Coin Values: The most sought after coin of this design is the uncirculated 1838-O coin. All Types are found in Fine to AU grades commonly. A slabbed 1839 Type 2 MS65 sold for $1875 while a 1870 Type 5 MS64 sold for $475

1837 5C Seated Liberty (no stars)