Seated Liberty Half Dollar, 1839-1891

"It's a giant of a human thing."
--Paul Scott (The Valley of Decision)

Commencement of half dollar production in the United States began with the Flowing Hair series, followed by the Draped Bust and Capped Bust half. As he tinkered with the Capped Bust design in the late 1830s in light of new steam power mint technology, engraver Christian Gobrecht grew restless for new designs that he could develop on his watch.

Between 1837 and 1840, Gobrecht's influence became apparent. Inspiration for a new half dollar came from noted portraitist Thomas Sully, who had fashioned a neoclassical design originally intended for silver dollars, but subsequently adapted for lower denominations as well.

1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar PCGS AU55 CAC

The obverse featured a head-to-toe rendition of Ms Liberty seated on a rock. Her right hand rests on a shield and her left hand grasps a staff topped by a Liberty cap--a symbol of preparedness and freedom. Thirteen stars surround the top and the date appears at the bottom.

The reverse is essentially the same design developed by Gobrecht for the final Capped Bust 'reeded edge' variety. A shielded eagle looking left holds an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the top, and HALF DOL. below.

Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 13.36 g
Composition: .90 silver; .10 copper
Edge: Reeded

In 1853 the weight of the Seated Liberty half was decreased slightly to 12.44 grams to conserve silver. Diameter and silver/copper composition remained the same. To signify the change, coins minted in 1853 included small arrowheads on either side of the date on the obverse, and rays above the eagle on the reverse. The 'Arrows and Rays' variety was born.

1853 Seated Liberty Half Dollar PCGS AU58 Arrows and Rays

The Arrows and Rays variety was shortlived, however, because circulation wear on the reverse rays was deemed excessive. In 1854, the reverse rays were removed although the obverse rays remained.

1854-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar PCGS AU58 Arrows

In 1856, the arrows were removed, presumably because the reduction in coin weight had become common enough knowledge that the special designation was no longer necessary. The design reverted back to the original 'No Motto' look.

It remained that way until 1866 when IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse. The motto appears in a scrolling ribbon above the eagle. The motto remained on the Seated Liberty half for the remainder of the series.

1880 Seated Liberty Half Dollar PCGS PR63 CAM

In 1873, the weight of the The Seated Liberty half was increased from 12.44 grams to 12.50 grams. The increase was signified once again by adding arrowheads on either side of the date. The 'Arrows' variety lasted two years. In 1875 the arrowheads were removed, and the design remained constant until the series ended in 1891.

1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar PCGS AU53 Arrows CAC

Save for collectors, the Seated Liberty half seems an obscure coin. After all, it was minted before any American living today was born. However, this series enjoyed a run unequaled among United States half dollars with high silver content. Struck from 1839 to 1891, it circulated from Antebellum thru Civil War and Reconstruction periods. It facilitated commerce during times of spectacular growth in industrial production and standard of living.

The tenure of the Seated Liberty half dollar spanned one of the most remarkable periods in American history.