USA ½ dime Liberty Seated Half Dime Legend Obverse 1871
USA, San Francisco
Rarity
Scarce
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dime |
| Krause number | KM# 91 |
| Mintage | 161,000 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| diameter | 15.5 mm |
| weight | 1.24 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse:
Wreath
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
HALF DIME
Introduction of Coins
Following the unique 1870 issue, the coining of half dimes at the San Francisco Mint declined this year from the highs of 1868-69. Even so, 1871 S half dimes are fairly common in worn condition. Only Mint State pieces are moderately scarce, with gems being truly rare. All 1871 S half dimes carry their mintmarks within the wreath, a position first adopted for the unique 1870 S specimen. Though the norm for half dimes made 1838-59, such placement on coins having the broad wreath of this type was employed only in 1870-72. This may have been done to improve the striking quality of Liberty's head or the mintmark itself, but if so, this move was achieved little success. Weak or filled mintmarks are still found on such coins.Read More
