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1857

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 7,280,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1098

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 7,280,000 half dimes in 1857, the highest single-year Philadelphia output of the Seated Liberty series to that point. The Coinage Act of 1857 ended the large cent and half cent and eliminated foreign coins' legal tender status in the United States. The half dime was not directly affected by the legislation, but it operated in a rapidly modernizing monetary system that was removing older coinage and standardizing around the federal Mint's production.

The 1857 is one of the most common Seated Liberty half dimes. Circulated examples are plentiful, Uncirculated coins are available in quantity, and the year is often chosen by type collectors who want an affordable Stars Obverse With Drapery representative. The Panic of 1857 struck in August, triggering a severe economic depression that would affect American commerce for the next several years.

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) $34 $39
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $49 $56
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $95 $110
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $143 $165
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $305 $320
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1857 Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $21–$24, rising to roughly $143–$165 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1857 Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
7,280,000 were struck.
What is a 1857 Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1857 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 1857 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.