Liberty Seated Coins

Liberty Seated coins are a series of United States coins that were issued from 1836 to 1891. The design features the figure of Liberty seated on a rock or perch, holding a pole with a Liberty cap on top. The design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time.

The Liberty Seated coin series includes various denominations, such as:

1. Liberty Seated Half Dime [More Info]

2. Liberty Seated Dime [More Info]

3. Liberty Seated Quarter [More Info]

4. Liberty Seated Half Dollar [More Info]

5. Liberty Seated Dollar [More Info]

These coins were minted at various U.S. Mint locations, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City.

Over the years, the Liberty Seated coins underwent some design modifications and minting techniques, leading to different varieties and rare specimens sought after by collectors.

As with any coin series, the value of Liberty Seated coins depends on factors like condition, rarity, and demand from collectors. If you are interested in collecting or learning more about these coins, I would recommend consulting numismatic references or reaching out to experienced coin collectors and dealers.

Liberty Seated Half Dollar 1839—1891

The Liberty Seated Half Dollar is a coin that was issued by the United States Mint from 1839 to 1891. It features the image of Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse (front) and an eagle on the reverse (back). The design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.

The Liberty Seated Half Dollar went through several design modifications and variations during its production years. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Introduction of the Design (1839): The Liberty Seated Half Dollar was first introduced in 1839, replacing the Capped Bust design that had been in use since 1807. The initial design featured a seated Liberty holding a shield with a liberty cap on a pole.

No Drapery (1839-1842): The first version of the design, known as "No Drapery," was produced from 1839 to 1842. Liberty was depicted seated without any drapery on her lower arm.

With Drapery (1842-1853): In 1842, the design was modified to include drapery hanging from Liberty's elbow, giving it a more realistic appearance. This version is known as the "With Drapery" type and was minted from 1842 to 1853.

Arrows at Date (1853-1855): In 1853, the Mint added arrows on both sides of the date to indicate a reduction in weight due to changes in the coin's silver content. This alteration was made to address the rising price of silver bullion. The arrows were removed in 1856.

Legend on the Obverse (1866-1873): From 1866 to 1873, the coin underwent another modification with the addition of the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" above the image of Liberty on the obverse.

Motto on Reverse (1866-1891): In 1866, the reverse of the coin was also modified to include the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above the eagle. Prior to this change, the reverse had only featured the eagle without any inscriptions.

Changes in Composition (1853-1873): During this period, the composition of the coin changed from the original 90% silver and 10% copper to 90% silver and 10% copper with a slight reduction in weight.

 

Key Dates

1839-O: The 1839-O (New Orleans) is the first year of issue for the Liberty Seated Half Dollar series and is highly sought after by collectors. It has a relatively low mintage and is quite rare.

1842-O Small Date: The 1842-O (New Orleans) Small Date variety is a scarce issue within the series. The Small Date variety is distinguished by a smaller-sized date compared to the more common Large Date variety.

1853-O No Arrows: In 1853, the Mint added arrows to the design to denote a weight reduction. However, a small number of Liberty Seated Half Dollars were struck at the New Orleans Mint without arrows, making them highly valuable and rare.

1854-S: The 1854-S (San Francisco) is a key date in the series due to its low mintage. It is one of the scarcest Liberty Seated Half Dollars, and examples in higher grades are particularly sought after.

1856-S: The 1856-S (San Francisco) is another low-mintage issue that is highly sought after. It is considered one of the key dates in the series.

1870-CC: The 1870-CC (Carson City) is an incredibly rare and valuable Liberty Seated Half Dollar. It has a very low mintage and is one of the most sought-after coins in the series.

1878-S: The 1878-S (San Francisco) is a key date due to its lower mintage compared to other years in the series. It is highly desired by collectors.

Braided Hair Half Cent 1840—1857

The Braided Hair Half Cent refers to a series of coins that were minted by the United States from 1840 to 1857. These small copper coins had a face value of half a cent, or 1/200th of a U.S. dollar.

The Braided Hair Half Cent features an obverse design known as the "Braided Hair" because it depicts the profile of Lady Liberty with her hair intricately braided and coiled. The words "Liberty" and the date of minting are inscribed on the obverse as well.

On the reverse side of the coin, you will find the denomination "Half Cent" within a wreath made of tobacco leaves. The wreath is tied together by a bow at the bottom, and the words "United States of America" encircle the design.

These coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint and do not carry a mint mark. They were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who also designed other coins for the United States Mint during that period.

The Braided Hair Half Cent series was the last to be produced before the denomination was discontinued. The Half Cent was no longer popular due to its low purchasing power and increasing production costs. As a result, it was eventually phased out and replaced by the larger copper-nickel Flying Eagle cent in 1857.

Today, Braided Hair Half Cents are considered collectible items and can be found in various conditions. The value of a Braided Hair Half Cent depends on its rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. If you are looking to purchase or sell one, it's recommended to consult with a professional numismatist or coin dealer who can provide you with an accurate valuation based on current market conditions.

 

Key Dates

The Braided Hair Half Cent series includes several key dates that are particularly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. Here are some of the key dates in the series:

1840: The first year of the Braided Hair Half Cent series is often considered a key date. The 1840 half cent has a relatively low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors.

1848: This year saw a significant decrease in the production of half cents, resulting in relatively fewer coins minted. The 1848 Braided Hair Half Cent is considered scarce and is in demand among collectors.

1851: The 1851 half cent is another key date in the series. It has a lower mintage compared to some other years, and finding one in good condition can be a challenge.

1856: The 1856 Braided Hair Half Cent is notable because it was the last year of regular production for the series. This final year issue tends to attract interest from collectors.

These key dates represent some of the scarcer and more sought-after coins in the Braided Hair Half Cent series. As with any collectible item, the value of these coins can vary based on factors such as condition, rarity, and demand in the market. It's always recommended to consult with a reputable coin dealer or numismatist for a professional appraisal and to get an accurate assessment of their value.

International Numismatic Bureau

I enjoy ordering the occasional "grab-bag" or groups of coins because I like occasional surprise. When I find a fair and honest seller, I will buy from them again, but you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find them. 

Not Impressed

One seller on eBay calls themselves "real-auctions" offering coins in holders (or 'slabs') with labels from "International Numismatic Bureau".

My guess is that whoever is running this buys a bunch of coins an encases them with their green labels regardless of the quality or value collectors would place on the coin.

None of the coin are graded. 10% of what was sent are ungradable as NONE of the buffalo nickels had dates! Many of the coin, heck the holder is more valuable. Nickels that said "Brilliant Uncirculated" were anything but as the first thing a collector looks at are the steps on Monticello. 

Here is a breakdown of the coins I received:

Liberty Seated Half Dime 1837—1873

The Liberty Seated Half Dime is a historical American coin that was produced from 1837 to 1873. It is part of the larger Liberty Seated coinage series, which includes various denominations like the dime, quarter, half dollar, and silver dollar. The design of the Liberty Seated Half Dime went through several modifications over the years.

The Liberty Seated design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was the Chief Engraver at the United States Mint during that time. The obverse (front) of the coin features a seated figure of Liberty, inspired by the ancient Greek figure of Freedom. Liberty is depicted holding a shield with her right hand and a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap on top in her left hand. The shield represents defensive power, and the cap symbolizes freedom and liberty. The words "LIBERTY" appear above Liberty, and the date is positioned below.

The reverse (back) of the coin underwent several changes during its production. From 1837 to 1838, the reverse featured a wreath surrounding the denomination "HALF DIME." Later, from 1838 to 1859, the reverse design was modified to include the words "HALF DIME" within a laurel wreath. In 1860, the wreath was replaced by a simple oak wreath. Finally, from 1860 to 1873, the reverse displayed a small eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a laurel wreath, and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

The Liberty Seated Half Dime went through a few notable changes during its production. In 1853, the weight of the coin was reduced slightly to 1.24 grams, and the diameter was increased to 15.9 millimeters. This change was implemented to combat widespread hoarding and melting of the coins due to their intrinsic value exceeding their face value.

In 1866, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the reverse of the coin above the eagle. This addition was part of a broader initiative to include the motto on various U.S. coins as a reflection of the religious sentiments prevalent during the Civil War era.

The Liberty Seated Half Dime series came to an end in 1873 when it was replaced by the Shield Nickel. The decision to discontinue the coin was mainly driven by the rising silver prices, which made it uneconomical to produce. Additionally, the introduction of the nickel five-cent coin provided a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

Today, Liberty Seated Half Dimes are highly collectible among numismatists and coin enthusiasts. The series offers a glimpse into American history and the development of coinage during the mid-19th century.

 

Key Dates

1838-O: This is considered one of the key dates of the series. It refers to the 1838 half dimes struck at the New Orleans Mint. The New Orleans Mint only produced half dimes in 1838, and they are highly sought after by collectors.

1853-O: Another important date is the 1853-O half dime. This coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint and is notable for being an extremely rare and valuable issue. It is highly sought after by collectors.

1855: The 1855 half dime is considered a key date due to its low mintage and scarcity. It is a challenging coin to find in higher grades, making it highly desirable among collectors.

1859-S: The 1859-S half dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is another key date in the series. It has a low mintage and is difficult to find in higher grades.

1863: The 1863 half dime is notable for its rarity and historical significance. During the Civil War, silver coinage became scarce due to hoarding and melting, making the 1863 half dime a valuable and sought-after coin.

Draped Bust Half Dollar 1796—1807

The Draped Bust Half Dollar is a historic silver coin that was minted in the United States from 1796 to 1807. It is known for its elegant design featuring the profile of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

The Draped Bust design was created by renowned portrait artist Gilbert Stuart, who was also responsible for painting the famous portrait of George Washington that is used on the one-dollar bill. The design was first used on the silver dollar coin in 1795 and was later adapted for the half dollar denomination.

The obverse of the Draped Bust Half Dollar features the bust of Liberty facing right, her hair tied with a ribbon. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above her head, and the date appears below. The reverse of the coin depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The eagle is surrounded by a wreath, and the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appears above.

The Draped Bust Half Dollar underwent some changes during its production. The earliest versions, minted from 1796 to 1797, featured a small eagle on the reverse with no shield. These coins are known as the Small Eagle reverse type. In 1801, the design was modified to depict a larger eagle with a shield on its chest, and this version is called the Heraldic Eagle reverse type.

The Draped Bust Half Dollar saw limited mintages during its production period. The early years, from 1796 to 1798, had relatively low mintages due to various factors, including the scarcity of silver and the demand for smaller denominations. In 1806, there was a significant increase in production, but mintages dropped again in 1807, as the half dollar denomination was temporarily discontinued until its revival in 1812 with the Capped Bust design.

Today, Draped Bust Half Dollars are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and limited availability. The coins' value varies depending on factors such as condition, rarity, and demand within the numismatic market. Well-preserved examples of these coins can command substantial premiums.

It's worth noting that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the coin market is constantly evolving, and prices can fluctuate. For the most current and precise valuation of specific Draped Bust Half Dollars, it's recommended to consult with reputable coin dealers or numismatic experts.

Key Dates

1796: The inaugural year of the Draped Bust Half Dollar series, and it holds immense historical significance. Only around 3,918 coins were minted, making it extremely rare and valuable.

1797 15 Stars: In 1797, the Mint added two more stars to the obverse of the coin to represent Tennessee and Ohio joining the Union. Approximately 3,615 coins were produced with the 15-star design, making it a scarce and desirable variety.

1797 16 Stars: After the Mint added two more stars to the obverse, they realized that 16 stars were too crowded, so they modified the design to include 13 stars representing the original colonies. Around 3,051 coins were minted with the 16-star design, making it rarer than its 15-star counterpart.

1801: The 1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar has a relatively low mintage of approximately 27,760 coins. It is considered a key date due to its scarcity and higher demand from collectors.

1802: The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable dates in the series. It is estimated that only around 3,035 coins were minted, making it highly sought after by collectors.

1804: The 1804 Draped Bust Half Dollar is another key date known for its rarity. It is believed that only a few hundred or fewer coins were struck, and most of them were likely proofs. As a result, the 1804 half dollar is incredibly rare and commands high prices in the numismatic market.

These key dates represent some of the scarcest and most coveted coins in the Draped Bust Half Dollar series. Their limited mintages, historical significance, and collector demand contribute to their desirability and higher values.

Shield Nickel 1866—1883

The Shield Nickel was a five-cent coin that was minted in the United States from 1866 to 1883. It was the first nickel five-cent coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint. The coin derived its name from the prominent shield design on its obverse (front) side.

In the mid-19th century, the U.S. Mint faced a shortage of silver coins due to the increasing demand for small-denomination coins during the Civil War. This led to the exploration of alternative metals for coinage, including nickel. The nickel alloy used for the Shield Nickel consisted of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it a silver-like appearance.

The Shield Nickel was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. Longacre's design featured a large shield on the obverse, which was surrounded by stars representing the Union states. The shield design was intended to symbolize the strength and unity of the United States during a period of post-Civil War reconstruction.

The reverse (back) of the coin displayed a large numeral "5" encircled by a wreath made up of various agricultural products, including wheat, corn, and cotton. The design elements were surrounded by the inscriptions "United States of America" and "Five Cents."

The Shield Nickel faced several challenges during its production. The high relief of the shield design caused problems with the striking process, leading to issues such as weak strikes and uneven surfaces. Over time, modifications were made to the design to address these problems, including reducing the relief and adding additional detail.

In 1883, the Shield Nickel was replaced by the Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the "V Nickel," which featured a left-facing portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral "V" on the reverse. The change in design was primarily due to concerns over counterfeiting and the desire for a more artistic and updated look.

Today, the Shield Nickel is considered a fascinating and historically significant coin in U.S. numismatics. Its limited production period and unique design make it a sought-after collector's item.

Key Dates

1866: The first year of production for the Shield Nickel is considered a key date. It had a mintage of only 14,742 pieces, making it one of the scarcest issues of the series.

1877: The 1877 Shield Nickel is another highly desirable key date. It had a low mintage of just 852,500 coins. This issue is particularly sought after in higher grades.

1878: While the mintage of the 1878 Shield Nickel was relatively high at 2,350,000 coins, it is still considered a key date due to its scarcity in higher grades. Many examples of this year's issue have significant wear or damage.

1880: The 1880 Shield Nickel is another key date that is challenging to find in higher grades. It had a mintage of 16,000,000 coins, but most surviving examples tend to be in lower grades.