USA ½ dollar Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1880
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dollar |
| Krause number | KM# A99 |
| Mintage | 1,355 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| thickness | 2 mm |
| diameter | 30.6 mm |
| weight | 12.5 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Star
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Coat of arms
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
HALF DOL.
IN GOD WE TRUST
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
The low mintage of half dollars for circulation generated speculative interest in both those coins and the accompanying proofs. Though the trade dollar was sold separately from the rest of the silver proof set, its proof-only status only added to the generally heightened interest in proofs across the board. Some 1,000 proof half dollars were delivered in the first quarter of 1880 and another 400 in the second. Most of these did sell, resulting in a net proof mintage of 1,355 pieces. This large production is evident in the number of certified proofs dated 1880, which is higher than for most years in the Seated Liberty series. Even gems seem to have survived to a higher extent, though Cameo proofs at the gem level are comparatively rare. Three die marriages are known for this issue, though specifics are lacking at this time and await publication of Bill Bugert's Die Registry for later Philadelphia halves. Both the Type 1 reverse of 1866-76 and the Type 2 of 1876-91 may be found on 1880 proof half dollars.Read More
