1838 (O) Seated Liberty Half Dime
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$49,938 MS66 10-27-2014 Heritage Auctions
Description
A dime from the New Orleans Mint, the 1838 (O) Seated Liberty Half Dime belongs to the Seated Liberty Half Dimes 1837-1873 series. With a mintage of 70,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 2% of total production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays an agricultural wreath enclosing the denomination. Stars added to the obverse. New Orleans joined Philadelphia in half dime production. New Orleans's branch mint, active from 1838 through 1909, produced coins that carry a distinct historical significance tied to the antebellum and postbellum South. Estimated market value ranges from $220 to $15K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 1.34 grams, 15.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4314.
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