Price Guide for 1874 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: $3.00 – $2,800.00Uncirculated: $441.00 – $72,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $28.00 – $725.00Uncirculated: $780.00 – $1,838.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,400.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $28.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $288.00 – $55,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $61.00 – $1,580.00Uncirculated: $2,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $600.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $3.40 – $64,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $585.22Uncirculated: $910.01 – $3,515.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $800.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $23,000.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $94,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $552.00 – $4,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $18,500.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $135,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $810.00Uncirculated: $1,020.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $308.33 – $316.80
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,400.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $576.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00 – $7,800.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $38,775.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,760.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,680.00 – $16,200.00Uncirculated: $25,200.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,565.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $960.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $3,360.00 – $43,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $504.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $3,840.00 – $19,975.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,325.00 – $6,613.00Uncirculated: $1,380.00 – $46,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1874 Half Dollar
The 1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1836 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, also known as the ‘Long Depression‘. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a staple of American coinage for over five decades.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | CC, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1874 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated conditions are relatively common and affordable, but values increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens. The Carson City (CC) and San Francisco (S) issues are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintages and higher attrition rates.
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 to uncirculated coins.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer contact marks and abrasions increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 2,359,600
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: 1,672,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 394,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Additional factors influencing the value of 1874 Half Dollars include:
1. Mint mark: Carson City (CC) and San Francisco (S) issues generally command higher premiums.
2. Historical significance: As a product of the post-Civil War era and the Long Depression, these coins hold historical interest.
3. Collection trends: Growing interest in 19th-century American coinage can drive demand.
4. Certification: Third-party grading can significantly impact value, especially for high-grade specimens.
5. Overall eye appeal: Subjective factors like attractive toning or exceptional strike can increase desirability among collectors.
