Price Guide for 1895 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: $26.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $78.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.00 – $610.00Uncirculated: $283.00 – $2,934.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $21,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.01 – $2,500.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $51,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $910.00 – $2,619.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $748.00 – $5,280.00Uncirculated: $3.70 – $20,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $511.09 – $3,021.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $340.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.00 – $4,600.00Uncirculated: $8.40 – $85,187.50
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 – $835.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,450.00Uncirculated: $1,575.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,000.00 – $34,000.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,275.00 – $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,300.00 – $29,843.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $37,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1895 Half Dollar
The 1895 Half Dollar is part of the Barber coinage series, which began in 1892 and continued until 1915. This series, featuring Liberty’s head on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, was designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replacing the long-running Seated Liberty design. The year 1895 saw production at three mints, with Philadelphia producing no mint mark coins.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1895 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated grades are relatively affordable, but prices increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens. Mint State examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are quite rare and valuable for all mint marks.
The San Francisco mint coins are especially prized in high grades due to their lower mintage and tendency to enter circulation. Collectors should pay attention to strike quality, luster, and the presence of bag marks when evaluating these coins.
Mintage: 1,764,735
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, typical for the series
Mintage: 1,766,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher than Philadelphia mint
Mintage: 1,108,086
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and scarcity in high grades
Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of 1895 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The New Orleans and San Francisco mint coins are particularly valued for their often vibrant toning.
While not considered a key date, the 1895-S is the scarcest of the three mints for this year and is highly sought after in higher grades. Collectors should also be aware of potential die varieties, although major varieties are not common for this year.
