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← 1842 Seated Liberty Half Dimes • 1837–1873 1843 →
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1842-O

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.34 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintNew Orleans
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 350,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1055

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

New Orleans produced 350,000 half dimes in 1842, a smaller mintage than the 1841-O output. The lower figure gives the 1842-O a modest premium over more common branch mint dates, though it remains within the "available" category rather than scarce. The design is the standard Stars Obverse With Drapery subtype with the O mintmark on the reverse.

Surviving examples are available in lower circulated grades. Higher-grade 1842-O half dimes are less common and command premiums reflecting the date's moderate scarcity. The 1842-O is one of several mid-1840s branch mint issues that collectors pursue for date-and-mintmark completeness.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $61 $71
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $95 $110
F-12 Fine (F) $184 $210
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $285 $330
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $515 $595
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $775 $890
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $1,090 $1,260
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $2,355 $2,495
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1842-O Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $61–$71, rising to roughly $1,090–$1,260 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1842-O Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
350,000 were struck.
What is a 1842-O Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.34 g.
What is the melt value of a 1842-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 1842-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.