Price Guide for 1864 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: $39.00 – $1,920.00Uncirculated: $414.00 – $48,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $71.20 – $3,853.54Uncirculated: $588.00 – $2,551.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 – $3,840.00Uncirculated: $431.00 – $74,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.00 – $1,099.00Uncirculated: $888.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $242.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $4.90 – $14,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $825.00Uncirculated: $1,499.00 – $4,725.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00 – $480.00Uncirculated: $1,320.00 – $44,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $902.00Uncirculated: $291.87 – $2,063.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $646.25Uncirculated: $10,575.00 – $12,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.55Uncirculated: $204.57 – $441.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $940.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $1,645.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $1,292.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $1,440.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,586.25 – $3,500.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $19,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,350.00 – $2,026.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,025.00 – $52,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1864 Half Dollar
The 1864 Half Dollar was minted during the height of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891. The coin’s production was significantly affected by the ongoing conflict, resulting in lower mintages compared to peacetime years.
The silver content of these coins made them valuable for hoarding during the uncertain times of the Civil War, which impacted their circulation and survival rates.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| 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 1864 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value due to their scarcity and historical importance. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Even in lower grades, well-preserved coins with good eye appeal command strong premiums.
Factors such as strike quality, which can vary due to wartime production issues, and original luster play crucial roles in determining a coin’s desirability and value. Natural toning, if present, can also enhance a coin’s appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 379,100
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 658,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
The Civil War context adds significant historical value to 1864 Half Dollars. Coins with provenance linking them to Civil War events or personalities can command substantial premiums.
The San Francisco mint mark is generally more desirable due to its lower mintage and the coin’s importance in Western commerce during the Civil War era. Additionally, any die varieties or errors, while not common for this year, could significantly increase a coin’s value if discovered.
Lastly, the survival rate of these coins in high grades is extremely low, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable to collectors and investors focusing on Civil War era coinage.
