Price Guide for 1847 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: $2.50 – $4,830.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $20,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $1,599.65Uncirculated: $644.00 – $1,701.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,410.00 – $14,400.00Uncirculated: $5,640.00 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,777.27 – $7,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,000.00 – $27,500.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $46.00 – $1,277.00Uncirculated: $1,130.00 – $1,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23,000.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $46,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $444.00Uncirculated: $1,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $206.00 – $445.00Uncirculated: $769.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $690.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $940.00 – $27,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 – $25,000.00Uncirculated: $27,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,150.00 – $5,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,899.75 – $6,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,000.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $446.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00Uncirculated: $15,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00Uncirculated: $2,232.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,980.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $780.00Uncirculated: $1,740.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 – $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $654.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00Uncirculated: $30,550.00
Design and Specifications of the 1847 Half Dollar
The 1847 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1839 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a period of significant westward expansion in the United States, just before the California Gold Rush of 1849. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a departure from earlier designs and became an iconic representation of American coinage in the mid-19th century.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1847 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (AU and above) command substantial premiums due to their scarcity. Uncirculated specimens are particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, the presence of original luster and minimal contact marks can greatly increase value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more desirable to collectors, potentially commanding higher prices.
Mintage: 1,201,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,584,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1847 Half Dollars. Well-struck examples with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are more valuable. New Orleans issues are often found with weaker strikes, making strong strikes from this mint particularly desirable.
Die states and varieties, while not as prominent for this year, can add interest and value. Collectors may pay premiums for coins showing interesting die cracks or other minting anomalies.
Lastly, provenance can play a role in value. Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections or appearing in important auctions may command higher prices among advanced collectors.
