1859 (S) 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
$82,250 MS68 06-28-2014 Stack's Bowers
Description
Produced at the San Francisco Mint, the 1859 (S) Seated Liberty Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 566,000 examples, making this the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 14% 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 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. Coined at the San Francisco Mint, which transitioned from Gold Rush-era production to its modern role producing proof and collector issues. Estimated market value ranges from $96 to $3.7K 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 #6298.
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