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1839-O

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.34 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintNew Orleans
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,034,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1043

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About this coinHistory

The 1839-O half dime was struck at the New Orleans Mint in a mintage of 1,060,000 coins, the second year of New Orleans half dime production and a dramatic increase from the 70,000-coin 1838-O issue. The O mintmark below the wreath on the reverse identifies the coin as a New Orleans product. Mintages at New Orleans were now scaling up as the branch mint found its footing and developed the capacity to produce substantial quantities of silver coinage.

The No Drapery design continues from 1838, and the 1839-O is a No Drapery coin. The subtype is a three-year run (1838-1840) that makes early Seated Liberty half dimes from any mint collectible as transitional issues before the drapery modification.

Surviving examples are available in circulated grades. The 1839-O is more common than the 1838-O because of the higher mintage but less common than the Philadelphia issues of the same year. A problem-free example in Very Fine or better represents the date well at a moderate price.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $26 $30
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $29 $34
F-12 Fine (F) $38 $44
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $78 $90
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $163 $188
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $265 $305
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $775 $890
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $2,235 $2,365
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1839-O Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $26–$30, rising to roughly $775–$890 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1839-O Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
1,034,000 were struck.
What is a 1839-O Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.34 g.
What is the melt value of a 1839-O 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 1839-O 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.