Price Guide for 1861 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: $27.00 – $9,775.00Uncirculated: $3.75 – $18,975.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.54 – $712.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $17,250.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.95 – $3,100.00Uncirculated: $293.00 – $5,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $212.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $1,051.00 – $21,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $132.80 – $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $21,000.00Uncirculated: $22,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 – $1,762.50Uncirculated: $16.00 – $30,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00 – $1,232.00Uncirculated: $1,199.00 – $5,008.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $403.00 – $499.38Uncirculated: $5.25 – $34,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $126.50 – $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $158.63 – $15,600.00Uncirculated: $1,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $241.75 – $2,708.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $18,500.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $384.00Uncirculated: $576.00 – $11,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $180.00 – $210.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $228.00 – $264.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $2,467.50
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eBayCirculated: $72.00 – $985.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00Uncirculated: $4,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $227.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,170.00Uncirculated: $3,360.00
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eBayCirculated: $205.00 – $399.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00 – $351.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $720.00Uncirculated: $4,933.20
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $492.00 – $1,680.00Uncirculated: $4,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $396.20
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $444.00 – $2,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $136.75 – $1,169.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $1,711.20Uncirculated: $1,140.00 – $8,518.75
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eBayCirculated: $113.50 – $1,285.01Uncirculated: $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $1,020.00
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eBayCirculated: $103.59 – $700.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $4,080.00Uncirculated: $2,820.00 – $6,193.43
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eBayCirculated: $102.50 – $849.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00Uncirculated: $22,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $990.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $1,351.25Uncirculated: $2,880.00
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eBayUncirculated: $175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,680.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,783.00 – $20,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $13,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1861 Half Dollar
The 1861 Half Dollar was minted during the first year of the American Civil War, a pivotal moment in U.S. history. The Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1839, continued to be produced during this tumultuous period. The coin’s silver content made it valuable for trade and commerce, especially as paper currency became less trusted during the war years.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1861 Half Dollars. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are significantly rarer and more valuable due to the extensive circulation of these coins during the Civil War era. The presence of original luster and minimal contact marks can greatly enhance a coin’s desirability and value.
For New Orleans and San Francisco mints, well-struck examples are particularly prized, as these mints often produced coins with weaker strikes. Attractive, natural toning can also add to a coin’s appeal and value, especially for collectors seeking high-grade examples.
Mintage: 2,887,400
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: 2,532,633
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: 939,500
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
The historical context of the Civil War adds significant interest and value to 1861 Half Dollars. Coins from the Southern branch mint of New Orleans, which fell under Confederate control later in the year, are especially desirable to collectors of Civil War era numismatics.
The San Francisco issue, with its lower mintage, is generally the most valuable of the three mints for this year. However, exceptional examples from any mint can command high premiums. Provenance, or ownership history, can also impact value, particularly if a coin can be traced to a notable collection or historical figure from the Civil War period.
