Price Guide for 1860 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: $51.00 – $940.00Uncirculated: $336.00 – $63,250.00
-
eBayCirculated: $73.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $725.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $60,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $2,050.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $132,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $620.00Uncirculated: $343.00 – $2,425.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $35,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $1,528.68Uncirculated: $408.00 – $22,912.50
-
eBayCirculated: $43.05 – $850.00Uncirculated: $2,175.00 – $3,272.22
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $25,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $322.00 – $30,475.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $49,937.50
-
eBayCirculated: $750.00Uncirculated: $823.00 – $1,731.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $55,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $85.00 – $360.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $240.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00 – $408.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $720.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $174.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00 – $64,625.00
-
eBayCirculated: $152.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $870.00Uncirculated: $2,115.00 – $3,840.00
-
eBayCirculated: $102.50
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $1,527.50Uncirculated: $3,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,495.00 – $43,125.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $20,300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $55,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1860 Half Dollar
The 1860 Half Dollar, part of the Seated Liberty series, was minted during a tumultuous period in American history. This year marked the eve of the Civil War, with tensions rising between the North and South. The coin’s design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891.
The Seated Liberty design symbolized the nation’s aspirations for freedom and democracy, even as the country faced its greatest internal crisis. These coins played a crucial role in commerce during a time of economic uncertainty and political instability.
| Weight | 12.44 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 1860 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Circulated examples are relatively available, but uncirculated specimens are scarce to rare. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer contact marks and abrasions increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 681,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and moderate rarity
Mintage: 1,290,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 472,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and scarcity in high grades
Several factors can influence the value of 1860 Half Dollars beyond condition:
1. Mint mark: San Francisco (S) issues are generally more valuable due to lower mintage.
2. Historical significance: The coin’s association with the pre-Civil War era adds appeal.
3. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known, minor die variations can interest specialists.
4. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership in famous collections can command a premium.
5. Overall eye appeal: Subjective factors like strike, luster, and toning can significantly impact value among high-grade examples.
