Price Guide for 1898 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: $20.00 – $8,000.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $57,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.11 – $1,193.91Uncirculated: $180.27 – $4,455.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $7.75 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $1,180.00Uncirculated: $3,710.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.00 – $3,055.00Uncirculated: $7.75 – $32,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 – $1,631.00Uncirculated: $2,100.00 – $18,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $5,175.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $20,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $700.00Uncirculated: $355.77 – $3,383.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,997.50 – $19,550.00Uncirculated: $604.00 – $24,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $730.00 – $3,655.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $32,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,425.00 – $45,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1898 Half Dollar
The 1898 Half Dollar, also known as the Barber Half Dollar, was part of the Barber coinage series that began in 1892. Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed this coin as part of a redesign of American silver coinage. The Barber Half Dollar series continued until 1915 and was an important part of American commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1898 Half Dollars. Coins in circulated conditions are relatively common and affordable, but values increase significantly for uncirculated examples. Specimens graded MS65 or higher are scarce and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer marks, scratches, and blemishes increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s value, especially for high-grade examples.
Mintage: 2,956,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 874,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 2,358,550
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mint mark rarity can affect value, with New Orleans (O) mint coins being less common and potentially more valuable in higher grades. Die varieties, while not particularly notable for this year, can add interest for specialized collectors.
Historical significance of the Barber design and its representation of late 19th-century American coinage adds to the coin’s appeal. The silver content (approximately 0.36169 oz of pure silver) provides a base value for even heavily worn examples.
Lastly, provenance can significantly impact value. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command substantial premiums.
