The 1861 Seated Liberty half dollars have value as numismatic coins. Keep reading to learn more about these silver coins.

1861 Half Dollar

Specifications

Type: Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Year: 1861
Face Value: $0.50
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Silver Weight: .3599 oz.
Total Weight: 12.44 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $8.26

The US minted the 1861 half dollar with no mint mark and also the 1861 O half dollar and 1861 S half dollar. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the reverse side of the coin below the eagle.

Series Location Quantity Minted
1861 Philadelphia 2,887,400
1861 O New Orleans 2,532,633
1861 S San Francisco 939,500

Value

This coin in circulated condition is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $8.26 as of March 28, 2023. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $22.95 per ounce.

The 1861 half dollar with no mint mark is worth around $50 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $175. In extremely fine condition the value is around $250. In uncirculated condition the price is around $575 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $1,200.

The 1861 O half dollar is worth around $70 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $180. In extremely fine condition the value is around $300. In uncirculated condition the price is around $1,500 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $2,800.

The 1861 S half dollar is worth around $60 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $250. In extremely fine condition the value is around $400. In uncirculated condition the price is around $1,200 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $3,000.

Proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $1,600 in PR 63 condition. There were 1,000 proof coins minted.

Cracked Obverse Variety

1861 O Silver Dollar Cracked Obverse Variety

There is one notable variety for the 1845 O half dollar. On the obverse side of the coin there is a die crack that extends from the bridge of Liberty's nose to the rim of the coin. See the image below for reference.

The 1861 O half dollar with the cracked obverse is worth around $350 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $1,750. In extremely fine condition the value is around $3,500. In uncirculated condition the price is around $12,000 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $22,500.

Grading System

Good- The word "LIBERTY" on the shield is not readable. The letters and the date are readable.

Very fine- The word "LIBERTY" on the shield is mostly sharp.

Extremely fine- The word "LIBERTY" on the shield is completely sharp. The edges on the scroll are distinct.

MS 60 uncirculated- There are no signs of wear. The coin has luster, but there may be a few stains, abrasions, or surface marks.

MS 63 choice uncirculated- In the major focal areas there are some blemishes or contact marks. The coin's luster might not be as prominent.

PR 63 proof- This coin has reflective surfaces and only a few blemishes away from the major focal points. There are no major flaws.

 

Sources:

The Red Book


See also:

1860 Half Dollar
1859 Half Dollar