As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.
1861
| Weight | 1.24 g |
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 3,361,000 Combined mintage for all 1861 varieties |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-1111 |
Collection
Your collection
Sign in to track this coin.
One tap — add details later from your collection list.
Other recorded varieties for 1861:
- 1861 1 Over 0 · 1 Over 0
External references
Philadelphia produced 3,361,000 half dimes in 1861, a substantial output during the first year of the Civil War. Fort Sumter was fired upon in April 1861. Hoarding of silver and gold coins began almost immediately as the public withdrew hard currency in anticipation of economic instability. The half dime was less prominent in the hoarding pattern than larger silver denominations, but it was not immune. By the end of the year, the half dime was beginning to disappear from everyday commerce.
The 1861 is a common date in the Legend Obverse series and remains available in circulated grades. Uncirculated examples exist in reasonable numbers. Die varieties include the 1861 1 Over 0 overdate, collected separately from the standard 1861.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | $58 | $67 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $98 | $113 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $128 | $147 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $295 | $310 |
How much is a 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
How many 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
What is a 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
What is the melt value of a 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime?
Is the 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dime a key date?
Live listings from eBay. As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you click a link and make a purchase. See all on eBay →
It is important that you educate yourself on a coin before making a substantial purchase, as some coins on eBay could be counterfeit or misrepresented. eBay Money Back Guarantee protects the buyer in these cases.