1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

Updated September 4, 2026

A 90 percent silver Seated Liberty half dollar from Philadelphia, the no motto type with HALF DOL. on the reverse and no arrows at the date, correct for a pre-1866 issue. The mint mark area below the eagle is empty. Detail is strong, with sharp gown lines and shield stripes and a light rub on the knee and hair. Two defects must be disclosed. A dark blue-black mark 2 to 3 mm long sits on Liberty's right shoulder and runs onto the drapery; it shows in both obverse photos in the same place, so it is on the coin, and whether it is ink, a stain or a gouge cannot be told from a photo. The fields are bright and show hairlines consistent with an old cleaning; PCGS and NGC would return such a coin as details, not a straight grade. It holds 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver, about $23.85 at recent prices. 1861 is a Civil War year, but the Philadelphia issue is a common date and we will not imply scarcity. The flip is marked AU.58 by the consignor, who is not a grading service. This coin is raw. Estimated Value: $60 to $100. Sold as-is. Photos are the most accurate description of this lot. Written descriptions are a guide only and may contain errors. Please review all photos before bidding.

Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →

More lots in this auction

• 1964 Washington Silver Quarter
• 1998 Luxor $10 Silver Center Token Winged Goddess
• 1915-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
• 1998 Luxor $10 Silver Center Token Seated Figure
• 1963 Washington Silver Quarter
• Red Garter Wendover $10 Silver Center Token
• 1959 Franklin Half Dollar No Mint Mark
• 1998 Luxor $10 Silver Center Token Sphinx

See all lots in September 13th Special Coin Auction →