Price Guide for 1879 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: $265.00 – $1,146.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $400.00 – $1,087.00Uncirculated: $722.00 – $1,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $1,400.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $345.00 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $4.60 – $30,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $450.00 – $530.00Uncirculated: $585.00 – $8,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,720.00 – $4,347.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $870.00 – $10,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $499.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,821.25 – $18,800.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $21,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,326.23 – $4,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,500.00 – $19,975.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1879 Half Dollar
The 1879 Seated Liberty Half Dollar was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1873. This coin represents one of the last years of the Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1839. The low mintage numbers for this year reflect the diminished demand for silver coinage due to the ongoing effects of the Coinage Act of 1873, which demonetized silver and led to a decrease in silver coin production.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco) |
| 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 1879 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, particularly for the rare Philadelphia issue. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after and command substantial premiums. The San Francisco issue, while more common, is still scarce in high grades.
For both mints, coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks are particularly desirable. Toning can also play a role in value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 4,800
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 721,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The extreme rarity of the Philadelphia issue makes it a key date in the Seated Liberty Half Dollar series. Even in circulated conditions, these coins are highly valued by collectors. The San Francisco issue, while more available, becomes increasingly scarce in higher grades.
Proofs were also minted in Philadelphia this year, with a mintage of 1,100. These proof issues are highly prized by collectors and can command significant premiums, especially in grades PR65 and above.
As with many 19th-century silver coins, the historical significance and the classic design of the Seated Liberty series add to the overall appeal and value of these 1879 Half Dollars.
