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1865-S

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 120,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1124

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco delivered 120,000 half dimes in 1865, a relatively steady output during a year when the Philadelphia Mint was producing almost none. The 1865-S is more available than the Philadelphia 1865 and circulates in the market as a regular-date San Francisco issue rather than a key. The S mintmark appears on the reverse.

Surviving 1865-S half dimes are available in circulated grades at moderate prices. The coin serves as an affordable Civil War-era half dime for collectors who cannot justify the cost of the Philadelphia 1865 key date. Both coins were struck in the same year, but their mintage disparity has created a dramatic price difference in the modern market.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $41 $47
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $66 $77
F-12 Fine (F) $102 $117
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $163 $188
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $285 $330
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $435 $500
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $875 $1,010
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $2,545 $2,695
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1865-S Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $41–$47, rising to roughly $875–$1,010 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1865-S Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
120,000 were struck.
What is a 1865-S Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1865-S 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 1865-S 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.