Price Guide for 1869 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: $29.00 – $960.00Uncirculated: $242.00 – $51,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $626.00Uncirculated: $355.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $499.00 – $9,987.50Uncirculated: $3.85 – $10,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $549.90 – $4,444.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $891.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.50 – $397.98Uncirculated: $1,676.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $216.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $16,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $900.00 – $12,337.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,380.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,006.00 – $21,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1869 Half Dollar
The 1869 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This coin was minted during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the stability and strength of the nation during this tumultuous period.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | 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
The condition of an 1869 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Due to the coin’s age and limited mintage, finding high-grade specimens is extremely challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable and sought after by collectors.
The strike quality is crucial, as many coins from this era suffer from weak strikes. Well-struck examples with full detail on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers command premium prices. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can see increased demand among collectors.
Mintage: 795,300
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 656,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage figures play a significant role in the value of 1869 Half Dollars. Both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues had relatively low mintages, making them scarce in all grades. The San Francisco issue is generally considered slightly rarer and more valuable in comparable grades.
The historical significance of the Reconstruction era adds to the coin’s appeal. Collectors interested in Civil War and post-Civil War coinage often seek these pieces, increasing demand. Additionally, the overall scarcity of high-grade Seated Liberty Half Dollars from the 1860s contributes to the strong market for well-preserved 1869 examples.
