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The 1843 Seated Liberty Half Dime in Very Good (VG) condition is a historically meaningful and collectible small silver coin from the early decades of American numismatics. Minted during a period of national expansion and industrial growth, the 1843 issue is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which spanned from 1837 to 1873. This coin represents the United States’ efforts to create a stable and standardized small-denomination silver currency, and it circulated widely among Americans in the mid-19th century. Though worn from years of use, a Very Good specimen still presents many key design elements, making it both identifiable and appreciated by collectors of early U.S. silver coinage.
The obverse of the 1843 Seated Liberty Half Dime features the iconic image of Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a pole topped with a liberty cap in her left hand and rests her right hand on a shield emblazoned with the word “LIBERTY.” The date “1843” is centered at the bottom of the coin, just beneath Liberty’s seated figure. In the Very Good grade, the outlines of Liberty and her shield are still clearly visible, although much of the finer detail—such as facial features, gown folds, and shield lines—may be worn smooth or faint. The rims are mostly complete, though some portions may show merging with the outer design, typical of coins in this grade that have seen heavy but honest circulation.
The reverse of the coin displays a simple and elegant design consisting of the denomination “HALF DIME” encircled by a wreath composed of laurel branches. Surrounding the wreath along the rim is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” In a VG example, the wreath and lettering are readable, though flattened in places. Some definition in the bow at the base of the wreath may remain, while the fine texture of the leaves is generally worn. The legend is usually fully visible, though some areas might be faint or weakly struck, depending on the die state and wear pattern.
The 1843 half dime was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and does not bear a mintmark, as was customary for Philadelphia issues during this era. It was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 1.34 grams and a diameter of 15.9 millimeters, making it the smallest silver coin in regular U.S. circulation at the time. The coin was struck with a reeded edge and exhibits fine proportions that reflect the precision of mid-19th-century die engraving and coining techniques.
The total mintage for the 1843 Seated Liberty Half Dime was approximately 2,150,000 pieces, a moderate number within the series. While this figure makes the date relatively available, most surviving examples are found in lower grades, such as Good (G) or Very Good (VG), due to the coin’s extensive circulation. Higher-grade examples are scarcer and command increasingly strong premiums. The 1843 issue does not feature major die varieties or overdates like some earlier years, but there is minor interest among specialists for die state studies involving repunching and positional anomalies in the date or lettering.
The Seated Liberty design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was a significant evolution in U.S. coinage aesthetics. Inspired by classical allegorical representations, Liberty is shown in a contemplative and composed pose that symbolized the ideals of freedom and stability. Gobrecht’s design was used across nearly all silver denominations in the mid-1800s and helped establish a more uniform and sophisticated appearance in U.S. coinage. On the half dime, the design appears relatively small due to the coin’s diminutive size but retains a level of artistry that collectors continue to admire today.
Coins in Very Good condition, such as this 1843 example, are typically characterized by heavy wear across all major surfaces. Yet they remain collectible and desirable for a variety of reasons. VG coins often show full outlines of the principal devices, readable legends, and a clear date, all of which are necessary for accurate attribution and appreciation. They offer a budget-friendly way for collectors to acquire early silver coinage without the higher premiums associated with fine or uncirculated grades. VG half dimes, especially those from the 1840s, are also ideal for use in type sets or date runs where completeness and authenticity are more important than sharpness of detail.
Market interest in Seated Liberty half dimes continues to be strong, particularly among collectors of classic U.S. silver series. As the smallest silver denomination and the predecessor to the nickel five-cent piece introduced in 1866, half dimes have a unique place in U.S. monetary history. Their discontinuation in 1873 as part of the Coinage Act marked the end of an era, and coins like the 1843 issue are now valued not only for their silver content but also for their historical narrative and craftsmanship.
The 1843 Seated Liberty Half Dime in VG condition is a charming and tangible link to a formative period in American coinage and commerce. While the fine details may be softened by time, the coin still conveys the classical artistry, functional design, and circulating history that make 19th-century U.S. coins such enduring collectibles. Whether acquired as part of a type set, a 19th-century silver date run, or simply for its historic character, it remains an accessible and appealing piece for collectors of all levels.