Price Guide for 1899 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: $15.00 – $3,200.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.00 – $656.00Uncirculated: $199.99 – $2,251.21
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $44,062.50
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eBayCirculated: $610.56Uncirculated: $424.94 – $2,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $2,400.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $44,062.50
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eBayCirculated: $30.00 – $899.95Uncirculated: $1,700.00 – $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $1,300.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $2,820.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.38 – $636.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,325.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,680.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,468.75 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $834.00 – $23,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,280.00 – $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9,315.00Uncirculated: $2,760.00 – $43,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,425.00 – $37,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1899 Half Dollar
The 1899 Half Dollar is part of the Barber series, which was minted from 1892 to 1915. This design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber Half Dollar was produced during a period of significant economic growth and industrialization in the United States.
The coin features Liberty’s head on the obverse, wearing a cap adorned with a laurel wreath, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and strength.
| 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 1899 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated conditions (Good to Very Fine) are relatively common and affordable. However, the value increases substantially for coins in About Uncirculated (AU) and Mint State (MS) grades.
Strike quality is particularly important for Barber Half Dollars, as many were weakly struck. Coins with full hair details on Liberty and sharp eagle feathers on the reverse command premium prices. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks also greatly enhance value.
Mintage: 5,538,846
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,724,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,686,411
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High for well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly affect the desirability and value of 1899 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning are highly sought after by collectors and can command substantial premiums.
The San Francisco mint coins are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage and tendency to have been more heavily circulated. High-grade examples from any mint are scarce and highly prized by collectors, particularly those grading MS65 or higher.
While not considered a key date, the 1899 Half Dollar in top conditions is an important type coin for collectors assembling high-grade sets of Barber coinage.
