Price Guide for 1857 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.50 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $230.00 – $10,575.00
-
eBayCirculated: $11.51 – $576.50Uncirculated: $187.00 – $1,880.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $9,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $3,565.00Uncirculated: $2,530.00 – $91,062.50
-
eBayCirculated: $135.50 – $2,856.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $100,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $4,200.00Uncirculated: $11.50 – $22,425.00
-
eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $940.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $17,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,650.00 – $1,980.00Uncirculated: $12.50 – $44,650.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $6,800.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $35,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $95.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $660.00 – $3,818.75
-
eBayCirculated: $94.00 – $331.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $456.00
-
eBayCirculated: $86.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $690.00 – $764.00Uncirculated: $4,230.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $129.25 – $336.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $408.00Uncirculated: $1,997.50
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $2,115.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $213.00 – $3,120.00Uncirculated: $9,987.50
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,500.00 – $1,680.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,313.00 – $48,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $55,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1857 Half Dollar
The 1857 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This year saw significant economic turmoil with the Panic of 1857, one of the first worldwide economic crises. The coin’s design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s strength and stability during this challenging period.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), 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 1857 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. The San Francisco mint coins are especially prized in high grades due to their low mintage and tendency to have been heavily circulated.
Luster and strike quality are crucial factors, with fully struck coins commanding premium prices. Original mint luster is highly desirable, and coins with attractive natural toning can also see increased demand from collectors.
Mintage: 1,988,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 818,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 158,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Mint marks play a significant role in the value of 1857 Half Dollars. The San Francisco (S) issue is the most valuable due to its low mintage, followed by the New Orleans (O) issue. The Philadelphia issue, while more common, can still command high prices in exceptional condition.
The historical context of the Panic of 1857 adds interest for collectors of economic history. Additionally, die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add value for specialized collectors. Coins with minimal contact marks and well-preserved details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are particularly sought after.
