Price Guide for 1855 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 – $1,430.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $787.77Uncirculated: $799.95 – $4,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $3,450.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.95 – $525.00Uncirculated: $243.50 – $3,565.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $3,120.00Uncirculated: $1,553.00 – $22,912.50
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eBayCirculated: $89.00 – $1,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $39.00 – $20,700.00Uncirculated: $167.50 – $115,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $194.41 – $2,440.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $20,000.00Uncirculated: $40,000.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00Uncirculated: $9,900.00 – $51,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,913.00 – $76,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00 – $168.00Uncirculated: $1,080.00 – $37,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $145.30 – $425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $2,640.00 – $21,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $528.00
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eBayCirculated: $39.99 – $533.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $305.50Uncirculated: $587.50 – $17,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $385.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $576.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $457.55
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,560.00 – $13,806.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $576.00 – $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19,550.00 – $41,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $27,500.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1855 Half Dollar
The 1855 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This year saw continued production amid the California Gold Rush, which had a significant impact on the nation’s economy and coinage. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, was a popular and enduring motif in American coinage during this period.
| Weight | 12.44 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 Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1855 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are considerably rarer and more valuable due to the extensive circulation of these coins. Well-struck examples with full design details and minimal wear are highly prized by collectors.
The presence of original luster and absence of significant marks or scratches can greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more sought after by collectors, potentially commanding a premium.
Mintage: 759,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,688,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Mint state examples from both Philadelphia and New Orleans are scarce, with New Orleans issues being particularly challenging to find in high grades. The quality of strike can vary, especially for New Orleans minted coins, which often have weaker strikes. Well-struck examples with full details are more valuable.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in earlier years, can still add interest and value for specialized collectors. The overall eye appeal of the coin, including factors like strike quality, luster, and toning, plays a crucial role in determining its market value among discerning collectors.
