Seated Liberty Half Dime 1838 AU – Large Stars

The 1838 Liberty Seated Half Dime is the first year of issue for the Liberty Seated series, a historically significant design created by Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, this early American coin features the iconic "Seated Liberty" motif, which would go on to define much of U.S. coinage in the mid-19th century.

On the obverse, Liberty is shown seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap. Thirteen stars surround the figure, representing the original colonies, with the date “1838” below. The reverse displays a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “HALF DIME,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim. Notably, this example is of the *No Drapery* subtype, a characteristic limited to 1837–1838 issues.

• Denomination: 5 Cents
• Year: 1838
• Diameter: 15.5 mm
• Mint Mark: None
• Thickness: 0.75 mm
• Grade: Ungraded