Collection: Type 5, Legend Obverse (1860-1873)

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1860-1873
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Weight: 1.24 grams (19.2 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 15,552,600
Proof Mintage: 10,040

In 1860, the Liberty Seated half dime underwent its final design evolution. The obverse retained Gobrecht’s Liberty motif, but the ... Read More

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1860-1873
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Weight: 1.24 grams (19.2 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 15,552,600
Proof Mintage: 10,040

In 1860, the Liberty Seated half dime underwent its final design evolution. The obverse retained Gobrecht’s Liberty motif, but the 13 peripheral stars were replaced by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, previously seen on the reverse. The date remained below Liberty. The reverse wreath was revised to a larger, bolder format, enclosing the denomination HALF DIME, with no legends around the rim. This design remained in use through the final year of issue in 1873, when the denomination was officially discontinued.

This final subtype is generally available in circulated grades, particularly for dates between 1860 and 1862, making it accessible for type collectors. Uncirculated examples are encountered less frequently, with superb Mint State coinsproving scarce. Proofs were struck annually for collectors and remain available, though demand remains strong among Liberty Seated specialists.

Scarce dates within this period include Philadelphia issues from 1863 through 1867, which saw minimal mintage due to wartime bullion pressures. San Francisco half dimes from 1863 to 1869 are especially elusive in higher grades. A curious and widely documented anomaly among San Francisco issues involves the scraping or engraving of Liberty’s figure, likely done abroad—possibly in the Orient—to subtly shave silver content for bullion extraction. Many examples show this careful modification, and some were later mounted with button shanks, suggesting use as ornamentation or jewelry.

The unique 1870-S half dime is among the greatest American numismatic discoveries of the 20th century. Previously unknown and unlisted in Mint records, it surfaced in the 1970s and was sold privately for $425,000, based on the then-record-setting price of an 1804 dollar. In 2004, the coin sold again for $661,250, and today it is listed in the Guide Book at $2 million. This legendary rarity stands alone in the series, with no other known example.

In 1872, the San Francisco Mint produced two die varieties—one with the mintmark above the wreath bow, and another with the mintmark below. The final year, 1873, also marked the end of the two-cent and silver three-cent series.

By the final decade of half dime production, many coins were not released into circulation, due to the suspension of specie payments during and after the Civil War. Instead, coins were stored by the Treasury or shipped overseas to settle trade obligations. Domestically, their function was largely replaced by the more durable nickel five-cent piece.

Today, Uncirculated examples from 1861, 1862, 1871, 1872, 1872-S, 1873, and 1873-S are the most commonly seen for this type. For specialists and advanced collectors, the final Liberty Seated half dime design presents a wide array of challenges, including rare dates, transitional features, and one of the greatest unique rarities in all of U.S. coinage.