U.S. Mint coin reference

1866–1891: Liberty Seated Half Dollar (Variety 2: "In God We Trust" Motto Added)

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Toned 1868 Liberty Seated half dollar with In God We Trust motto, obverse left and reverse right

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1866-1891

Country: United States

Denomination: Half dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Silver fineness: 90%

Silver weight: Approx. 0.3599 oz ASW at 12.44 g; approx. 0.3617 oz ASW at 12.50 g

Weight: 12.44 g through 1873 No Arrows; 12.50 g beginning with 1873 Arrows

Diameter: 30.6 mm

Thickness: Approx. 2.15 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty seated on a rock holding shield and pole.

1866–1891: Liberty Seated Half Dollar (Variety 2: "In God We Trust" Motto Added) history

1866–1891: Liberty Seated Half Dollar (Variety 2: "In God We Trust" Motto Added) adds IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle while retaining the Seated Liberty obverse. Coins before the 1873 adjustment weigh 12.44 grams; the standard increased to 12.50 grams with the arrows issues of 1873–1874.

Actual silver weight therefore varies within this broad page: about 0.3599 troy ounce at 12.44 grams and about 0.3617 at 12.50 grams. Date and arrows determine the correct standard.