Price Guide for 1884 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: $276.00 – $3,400.00Uncirculated: $483.00 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $537.00 – $1,590.00Uncirculated: $811.09 – $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $334.00 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $3.40 – $41,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $840.00 – $3,636.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $600.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $840.00 – $9,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $682.00 – $20,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,352.00 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,141.00 – $7,725.63
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1884 Half Dollar
The 1884 Half Dollar is part of the Liberty Seated series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield with the word ‘LIBERTY’ on a scroll across it. The reverse depicts an eagle with a shield, reminiscent of the Great Seal of the United States.
The year 1884 was notable for being near the end of the series, as well as a time of low mintages for many denominations due to economic factors and the abundance of silver dollars being produced under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1884 Half Dollars has a significant impact on their value, particularly for the Philadelphia issue. Due to the extremely low mintage of the Philadelphia coins, even circulated examples command high premiums. For both mints:
– Uncirculated specimens are highly prized, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and valuable.
– Well-preserved examples with strong strikes, good luster, and minimal contact marks are particularly desirable.
– Original toning can add to the coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and even.
Mintage: 4,400
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and low mintage
Mintage: 934,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially in higher grades
Rarity and historical significance play crucial roles in the value of 1884 Half Dollars:
– The Philadelphia mintage of only 4,400 makes it a key date and highly sought after in all grades.
– Provenances from notable collections can increase value.
– Die varieties, while not common for this year, can add interest and value if discovered.
– The New Orleans issue, while more common, is still scarce and valuable in high grades.
Collectors often seek these coins to complete date and mint sets of the Liberty Seated series, driving demand and supporting strong market values.
