1856 (O) Seated Liberty Half Dollar
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
$10,575 MS66 06-08-2016 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1856 (O) Seated Liberty Half Dollar represents a New Orleans Mint issue from the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 2.7 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 70% of the year's 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 a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. 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 $83 to $1.4K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.4 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6288.
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