Liberty Seated Half Dime
The Liberty Seated Half Dime was struck from 1837 to 1873. During the course of the series, there were numerous modifications to the design, which create an interesting array of subtypes. The end of the series represented the last production of silver half dimes. The denomination was replaced in commerce by the five cent nickel, which had been introduced in 1866.
The obverse of the Seated Liberty Half Dime features a depiction of Liberty seated on a rock. She holds a pole in her right hand with a Phyrigian cap on top. Different subtypes of the series have the surrounding fields empty, with thirteen stars, or containing the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The reverse of the coin features a wreath surrounding the denomination HALF DIME. For earlier subtypes, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the wreath. For the coins with the legend placed on the obverse, the wreath was enlarged and altered.
Although this series is usually considered to be the easiest of the Liberty Seated type to complete, some issues are rare and extremely hard to find in mint state grades. One issue of the series has a single example known to exist in all grades, even when none were reportedly struck. While it usually is not considered to be part of a complete set of Seated Half Dimes it remains as one of the most famous rarities of all American coinage.
This site will provide further information about the history and design of the Liberty Seated Half Dime. A basic examination of some of the key dates and rarities of the series is included, along with mintages and coin specifications.