Price Guide for 1841 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.50 – $1,300.00Uncirculated: $22.50 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $168.50 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $2,176.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.75 – $3,220.00Uncirculated: $12.50 – $51,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $725.00Uncirculated: $1,341.00 – $1,765.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7,800.00 – $8,050.00Uncirculated: $8,800.00 – $69,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 – $6,462.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00 – $588.00Uncirculated: $4,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $421.66 – $499.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00 – $840.00Uncirculated: $881.25 – $3,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $630.00 – $3,335.00Uncirculated: $12,650.00 – $13,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,800.00 – $1,920.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,920.00 – $2,115.00Uncirculated: $2,280.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,040.00
Design and Specifications of the 1841 Half Dollar
The 1841 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from the previous Capped Bust design. The year 1841 was a time of economic recovery following the Panic of 1837, and these coins played an important role in everyday commerce.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, P (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1841 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and commanding substantial premiums.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1841 Half Dollars exhibit weakness in certain areas, particularly on the eagle’s talons and wings. Coins with strong, full strikes are more desirable. Original luster and attractive toning can also greatly enhance the value and appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 310,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 401,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintmark rarity plays a role in valuation, with the Philadelphia (no mint mark) issues being slightly scarcer than their New Orleans counterparts. However, the New Orleans coins are typically more challenging to find in high grades due to inferior striking quality and harsher circulation conditions.
Collectors also value originality and eye appeal. Coins that have avoided harsh cleaning and display natural, attractive toning are particularly sought after. Additionally, provenance can add value, especially if the coin can be traced to a notable collection or has been featured in important auctions.
