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1851-O

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.34 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintNew Orleans
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 860,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1080

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About this coinHistory

New Orleans struck 860,000 half dimes in 1851, a significant branch mint output. The 1851-O is a common New Orleans date available in circulated grades at moderate prices. The O mintmark appears on the reverse below the wreath. Strike quality on the 1851-O is generally consistent with other New Orleans issues of the era, which tend to show somewhat softer central detail than Philadelphia coins.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $22 $25
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $26 $30
F-12 Fine (F) $29 $34
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $41 $47
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $88 $101
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $189 $220
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $365 $420
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $985 $1,045
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1851-O Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $22–$25, rising to roughly $365–$420 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1851-O Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
860,000 were struck.
What is a 1851-O Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.34 g.
What is the melt value of a 1851-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 1851-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.