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1837 Seated, Small Date

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.34 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,405,000 Combined mintage for all 1837 Seated Liberty varieties
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1036

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About this coinHistory

The 1837 Small Date half dime uses more compact numeral punches for the date. The digits are shorter and narrower than on the Large Date version, producing a visibly different date appearance when the two varieties are placed side by side. The Small Date is less common than the Large Date among surviving coins and carries a modest premium among variety specialists.

Identifying the Small Date requires comparing the date digits against reference images or against a Large Date coin for direct comparison. On well-preserved examples in Very Fine or better, the distinction is clear. On heavily worn coins, the size difference can be ambiguous, and certification services provide the most reliable attribution.

The 1837 No Stars half dime, in both Large and Small Date varieties, represents Gobrecht's design at its most austere. The empty field around Liberty would not last. By 1838, stars would appear on the obverse, and the pure-figure design would become a one-year subtype that variety specialists pursue as a significant target within the broader Seated Liberty series.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $38 $44
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $49 $56
F-12 Fine (F) $78 $90
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $117 $135
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $205 $235
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $365 $420
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $470 $540
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,010 $1,070
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1837 Seated, Small Date Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $38–$44, rising to roughly $470–$540 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1837 Seated, Small Date Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
1,405,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1837 Seated Liberty varieties).
What is a 1837 Seated, Small Date Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.34 g.
What is the melt value of a 1837 Seated, Small Date Seated Liberty Half Dime?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1837 Seated, Small Date Seated Liberty Half Dime a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.