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1871-S

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Regular
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 161,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1142

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco produced 161,000 half dimes in 1871, a smaller branch mint output than the 1868-1870 years. The 1871-S is available in circulated grades but less common than the higher-mintage San Francisco dates of the late 1860s. The S mintmark appears on the reverse.

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) $34 $39
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $54 $62
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $66 $77
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $147 $170
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $205 $235
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $475 $500
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1871-S Seated Liberty Half Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $21–$24, rising to roughly $205–$235 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1871-S Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
161,000 were struck.
What is a 1871-S Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1871-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 1871-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.