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1864

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Key date
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 48,470
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1120

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About this coinHistory

The 1864 Philadelphia half dime had a mintage of only 48,000 coins, continuing the tiny Civil War production pattern. The coin is a key date in the series and shares the same basic story as the 1863: the Mint produced minimal quantities because silver coinage had effectively disappeared from circulation. Most survivors are in Uncirculated or near-Uncirculated condition because the coins never circulated in meaningful quantity.

Pricing reflects the extreme scarcity of Philadelphia mid-1860s half dimes. The 1864 is less common than the 1863 in some grades and carries premium pricing across all conditions. Surviving coins typically show the sharp strike and bright surfaces associated with minimal commerce rather than the worn, toned appearance of coins that circulated heavily.

The San Francisco Mint produced substantially more half dimes in 1864 (1864-S at 90,000 coins), continuing the geographic divergence that made eastern and western Civil War coinage very different collecting categories.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $265 $305
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $345 $400
F-12 Fine (F) $540 $620
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $695 $800
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $875 $1,010
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $940 $1,085
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $1,040 $1,200
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,570 $1,665
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $265–$305, rising to roughly $1,040–$1,200 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
48,470 were struck.
What is a 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1864 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 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dime a key date?
Yes — the 1864 Seated Liberty Half Dime is considered a key date in the Seated Liberty Half Dimes series and commands a strong premium.