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1852

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.34 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,000,500
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1081

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia produced 1,000,500 half dimes in 1852, a return to the million-coin level for the year. California gold continued to flood into the eastern economy, driving inflation and putting pressure on the bimetallic monetary standard that the United States operated. The silver content of American silver coins was becoming worth more than the coins' face value, creating the conditions that would lead to the 1853 weight reduction and the famous Arrows subtype.

The 1852 is a common date in all grades. It is the last pre-Arrows year before the weight reduction, which makes it historically notable as a boundary date. A well-preserved 1852 half dime is typically the heaviest half dime a collector will encounter in a standard date set, as the weight reduction would take effect in the middle of 1853.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $22 $25
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $24 $27
F-12 Fine (F) $26 $30
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $34 $39
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $61 $71
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $116 $134
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $156 $180
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $350 $370
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1852 Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $22–$25, rising to roughly $156–$180 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1852 Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
1,000,500 were struck.
What is a 1852 Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.34 g.
What is the melt value of a 1852 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 1852 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.