The Liberty Seated Half Dollar, minted from 1866 to 1891, holds a special place in American coin history. With its unique design and the inclusion of the motto “In God We Trust,” this coin reflects the country’s journey through the Civil War and its aftermath. In this article, we’ll explore the details that make this coin significant and why it remains a favorite among collectors.
What is the Liberty Seated Half Dollar?
The Liberty Seated Half Dollar is a silver coin that depicts Liberty sitting on a rock, holding a Union shield and a pole with a Liberty cap on top. The motto “In God We Trust” was added during this time to symbolize the nation’s faith during the period of recovery following the Civil War. This motto was first introduced in 1864 and became a standard feature on U.S. coins.
Key Historical Points
The Liberty Seated Half Dollar is more than just a coin—it’s a reflection of significant moments in American history. Here are some important historical aspects of the coin:
- Impact of the Civil War: The American Civil War resulted in over 600,000 deaths, leaving the country traumatized and in need of healing. The coin’s design and motto were introduced during this time of national recovery.
- Motto Addition: The motto “In God We Trust” was added to American coins in 1864 as a response to the war and as a symbol of faith.
- Minting in 1866: The San Francisco Mint produced 60,000 coins without the motto and 994,000 coins with it. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Mint produced 744,900 With Motto coins and only one coin without the motto.
- Mint Act of 1873: This act required coins to weigh exactly 12.5 grams, which led to the melting of older coins, adding to their scarcity.
- Design Changes: Over the years, the design of the coin saw slight modifications, including added drapery and changes in weight.
The Design
The Liberty Seated Half Dollar features a simple yet iconic design that makes it easy to recognize. Here’s a breakdown of its details:
- Obverse (Front): Liberty is seated on a rock, holding a shield and a pole topped with a Liberty cap. The date is located at the bottom, with a banner reading “LIBERTY” displayed across the shield.
- Reverse (Back): The reverse shows an eagle with its wings spread wide, holding an olive branch and arrows. Above the eagle is the motto “In God We Trust” on a banner.
- Edge: Both the “With Motto” and “With Drapery” versions of the coin have a reeded edge, a common feature in many U.S. coins.
How Much Are These Coins Worth?
The value of a Liberty Seated Half Dollar depends on its rarity and condition. Here’s a look at the general price range for different types of coins:
- Business Strikes: Coins minted for circulation, these have moderate prices unless they are rare examples.
- Proof Coins: Proof coins, which are struck with extra care, tend to be moderately priced up to PR63, but prices rise for Gem-quality coins or higher.
- Rare Coins: The most expensive examples include the 1870-CC, 1871-CC, 1873 No Arrows, and 1878-S coins, all of which are extremely rare and command high prices.
- Proof Cameo/Deep Cameo: These coins, with a frosted design contrasting against a polished background, can sell at a premium, especially in higher grades.
What Does “With Drapery” Mean?
In 1839, a new design element was introduced on the Liberty Seated Half Dollar, called “With Drapery.” This feature added a fold of drapery to Liberty’s dress, making the design look more refined. Earlier versions of the coin depicted Liberty seated on a larger rock, while the later versions showed her seated on a draped chair.
The Liberty Seated Half Dollar is not only a fascinating coin for collectors but also a window into a crucial time in American history. Its unique design, the addition of “In God We Trust,” and changes such as “With Drapery” make it a valuable piece of numismatic history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning, understanding the details of this coin will deepen your appreciation for its historical and financial significance.
What is the Liberty Seated Half Dollar?
The Liberty Seated Half Dollar is a silver coin minted between 1866 and 1891, featuring Liberty seated with a shield and pole.
What does “With Drapery” mean on this coin?
“With Drapery” refers to the added fold of cloth on Liberty’s dress, introduced in 1839 for a more detailed design.
Why is “In God We Trust” on the Liberty Seated Half Dollar?
The motto was added in 1864 to reflect the nation’s faith during its recovery after the American Civil War.
How much is a Liberty Seated Half Dollar worth?
Depending on its rarity and condition, the coin can range in price from moderate to very high for rare examples.
What are the rarest Liberty Seated Half Dollar coins?
Some of the rarest include the 1870-CC, 1871-CC, 1873 No Arrows, and 1878-S, which can fetch very high prices at auctions.