1860-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar PCGS Certified XF45

Due to improvements in the silver and gold bullion supply and advances in minting technology, the production of both silver and gold coins increased dramatically in the 1830s. The completion of a new and much larger Philadelphia Mint building in 1833 further supported the mintage and circulation of coins. These conditions prompted Mint Director Robert Patterson to seek fresh designs and hire Christian Gobrecht to assist Chief Engraver William Kneass, who had recently suffered a debilitating stroke.

Gobrecht ultimately created the Seated Liberty design employed on silver coinage of the mid to late 19th century (1836-1891), including the half dime, dime, twenty-cent piece, quarter, half dollar, and dollar denominations. The obverse features Lady Liberty seated upon a rock, holding a liberty pole and cap symbolic of freedom in her left arm, and a shield in her right to defend it. The reverse design of the half dime and dime features a wreath encircling the denomination. With room for more elaborate design elements, the larger denominations, like this half dollar, feature an American Bald Eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch and bundle of arrows in its talons.

In 1860, the U.S. produced half dollars at Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Although San Francisco (S mint mark) was a distant second in terms of mintage, the 1860-S half dollars eventually become the scarcest of the 3 because of their heavy use out West and inaccessibility to Eastern collectors. Today, the 1860-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar is the scarcest date of that whole decade, excluding the unique 1866-S No Motto variety.

The pleasant example offered here is moderately circulated with bold remaining details and is free of significant contact marks. You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.

The condition of a coin is officially graded on a 70-point scale according to standards set forth by the American Numismatic Association. Grades under 60 represent circulated grades, while grades from 60 through 70 represent uncirculated, or “mint-state” grades. Very few, if any, older coins are known to exist in perfect MS70 grade. The coin offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more leading certification services so you can be confident in its authenticity and stated condition.