1879 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
$34,500 MS68 01-09-2005 Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1879 Seated Liberty Half Dollar represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1839-1891 series. With a mintage of 4,800, this is a rare issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 81% of 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 Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $460 to $1.6K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6361.
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