Christian Gobrecht’s Liberty Seated design reached the half dollar in 1839 and ran through 1891. The obverse shows Liberty seated with a shield and liberty cap; over the series the design gained drapery (1839), arrows and rays, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, giving collectors several distinct types.
Key facts
- Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
- Issue dates: 1839–1891
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Weight: ~12.44 grams (12.50 after the 1873 adjustment)
- Edge: Reeded
The series breaks into five design types: No Motto (1839–1853, 1856–1866), Arrows and Rays (1853 only, marking the 1853 weight reduction), Arrows at Date, No Motto (1854–1855), With Motto (1866–1873, 1875–1891, after IN GOD WE TRUST was added), and With Motto and Arrows (1873–1874). The Arrows and Rays and Arrows types are the scarcer ones for a type set.
Famous rarities include the 1853-O No Arrows (only four known) and the key 1878-S and Carson City (CC) dates such as the 1870-CC and 1878-CC. A notable historical issue is the 1861-O, struck under U.S., State of Louisiana, and Confederate authority.
We actively buy Seated Liberty half dollars in every grade, from well-worn type coins to rare CC and S-mint dates and choice Proofs. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.