Liberty Seated Half Dollar

About This Series

Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Seated half dollar was the standard 50-cent coin for over 50 years, from 1839 to 1891. The series went through several changes: arrows were added in 1853 to mark a weight reduction, "In God We Trust" appeared above the eagle in 1866, and arrows returned in 1873-74 for another weight change. The 1853-O No Arrows variety is one of the most valuable coins in the series. Collectors also hunt the 1878-S and the late Carson City issues. Most Philadelphia dates are affordable in circulated grades, but branch-mint examples in nice condition take time and patience to find.