Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1839-1853, 1856-1866
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 13.36 grams (206.17 grains, 1839 to 1853), 12.44 grams (191.97 grains, 1856 to 1865)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 76,238,285
The Liberty Seated motif, without motto on the reverse, was minted in the half dollar series from 1839 through 1866. Certain pieces dated 1853 and all dated 1854 and 1855 have arrows at the date and are different types. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding in her left hand a liberty cap on a pole and with her right hand holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars are above, and the date is below. The reverse is similar to the preceding and consists of an eagle perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and HALF DOL. below.
Numerous variations exist throughout the series, including the absence of drapery from Miss Liberty's elbow on certain issues, different sizes of reverse lettering, and different date numeral sizes. Certain pieces dated 1839 lack drapery at Miss Liberty's elbow. While there are some scarce issues within this span, there are enough common varieties that the numismatist will have no difficulty acquiring examples in grades from Good through Extremely Fine. AU coins likewise appear with frequency. Uncirculated pieces are scarcer, and superb Uncirculated coins are quite rare. The quality of striking is apt to vary from issue to issue, with those made in New Orleans being often lightly struck, particularly on the obverse stars.
