The year 1837 saw the introduction of the Seated Liberty Half Dime, and a phase-out of the Capped Bust type. The Seated Liberty theme on the Half Dime lasted until 1873, and was also present on the U.S. dime, quarter, half dollar, and silver dollar. After 1873, no one would ever see another new U.S. Half Dime.
There were several varieties of the Seated Liberty Half Dime, involving drapery, stars, arrows, and legend location. Throughout all the changes, Liberty herself remained seated in much the same position.
The first Seated Liberty Half Dime minted in 1837 had no drapery or stars on the obverse. The legend "United States of America" appeared on the reverse. It is pictured here:
 |  | | Seated Liberty Half Dime Specifications | | Diameter: | Weight: | Minted: | Composition: | Designer | Edge: | | 15.5 mm | 1.34 g | 1837-1853 | .100 Cu .900 Ag | Christian Gobrecht | Reeded | | 15.5 mm | 1.24 g | 1853-1873 | .100 Cu .900 Ag | Christian Gobrecht | Reeded | | Coin Photos courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA |
The most valuable Seated Liberty Half Dime is the 1870-S. Only one lone specimen is known to exist, and could possibly sell for millions of dollars, if put on the auction block. Its existence remained unknown until 1978, when it was found mixed in with a small hoard of common date coinage. The 1870-S Seated Liberty Half Dime is a fabled numismatic discovery of immense proportions.
In spite of nearly 40 years of production, there are not many key dates to chase after. Some of the half dimes from the Philadelphia Mint in the 1860's are quite rare, but have advanced only sporadically in value over time. Prices may stagnate for many years, then suddenly explode in value, only to get stuck once again.
Collectors fascinated by the Seated Liberty Half Dimes wanting to obtain examples with the best chance of double-digit price increases should look here first:
Seated Liberty Half Dimes dates from the 1860's are offered for sale below, through eBay coin auctions (its surprising how many people use the phrase "eBay antique coins for sale" while searching the Net). The left hand side of each "Sales Box" is value trend data over a very long period of time for an 1865 Seated Liberty Half Dime in G-4 condition. The percent annual increase is computed for comparative purposes. The coin pictured for sale in the right hand side is not necessarily an 1865, as is represented in the value trend analysis on left hand side, but is dated in the 1863-1867 range.
1863-1867
Seat Lib H. Dime
Condition: G-4 | | | 1865 Trends
1950: $1.25
1980: $75.00
1995: $125
2003: $125
2009: $400
| % Annual Increase Since 1950 =
10.27% |
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Above is a satire on the Panic of 1837, criticizing President Martin Van Buren's continued "Specie Circular" policy of his predecessor, Andrew Jackson, which required the US government to accept payment for federal lands only in gold and silver coinage. This move led to the failure of more than 800 banks and a severe economic recession. The satire shows the president haunted by the ghost of Commerce, seated at the right.
