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1872-S Mintmark Above Bow

Half Dimes · Seated Liberty Half Dimes · 1837–1873
Variety
Weight1.24 g
Diameter15.5 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 837,000 Combined mintage for all 1872-S varieties
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-1145

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About this coinHistory

The 1872-S Mintmark Above Bow half dime has the S mintmark positioned above the ribbon bow on the reverse wreath, distinguishing it from the more common Below Bow version. The variety is collected as a separate die marriage within the 1872-S production and carries a modest premium over the Below Bow version.

Identification requires examining the mintmark position on the reverse. The distinction is visible on any well-preserved coin without requiring magnification. The Above Bow variety is the scarcer of the two 1872-S mintmark positions, though neither is rare in absolute terms.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1872-S Mintmark Above Bow Seated Liberty Half Dimes were minted?
837,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1872-S varieties).
What is a 1872-S Mintmark Above Bow Seated Liberty Half Dime made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 1.24 g.
What is the melt value of a 1872-S Mintmark Above Bow 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 1872-S Mintmark Above Bow 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.