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1856-O

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintNew Orleans
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,100,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1097

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About this coinHistory

New Orleans delivered 1,100,000 half dimes in 1856, continuing a steady branch mint production schedule. The O mintmark appears on the reverse. Like the Philadelphia 1856 issue, the 1856-O removed the arrows from the date while retaining the lighter weight. Surviving examples are common in circulated grades and available in Uncirculated condition for collectors willing to pay the quality premium.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $21 $24
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $26 $30
F-12 Fine (F) $29 $34
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $46 $53
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $107 $124
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $230 $265
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $435 $500
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,060 $1,120
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $21–$24, rising to roughly $435–$500 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
1,100,000 were struck.
What is a 1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1856-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 1856-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.