1879 50C Seated Liberty Half Dollar NGC MS65

Here’s an attractive example of a Seated Liberty half dollar with a scant mintage of 4,800. NGC has graded 39 as MS65 with 53 finer. Collector’s Universe gives this issue a price of $3,750.00 in MS65.

Writes NGC Coin Explorer, “From 1879 through 1890 there was no demand for additional half dollars… The Philadelphia Mint continued to make small numbers annually to provide souvenirs for mint tourists, coin collectors and those seeking to give the coins as gifts on special occasions. It was also deemed advisable to produce just enough pieces to prevent speculation in what otherwise would have been proof-only dates.”

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this piece was struck in 1879. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.