Price Guide for 1909 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: $25.00 – $3,760.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $44,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $611.99Uncirculated: $300.00 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.01 – $2,800.00Uncirculated: $4.65 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.00 – $1,285.00Uncirculated: $1,326.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $1,725.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $32,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.25 – $999.00Uncirculated: $723.82 – $1,095.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 – $604.80Uncirculated: $4,406.25 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $81.13 – $499.50Uncirculated: $2,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $18,975.00
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eBayCirculated: $315.00Uncirculated: $485.53 – $2,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $285.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,380.00 – $13,000.00Uncirculated: $552.00 – $19,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $36.00Uncirculated: $725.00 – $1,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50 – $14,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1909 Half Dollar
The 1909 Half Dollar is part of the Barber Half Dollar series, which was minted from 1892 to 1915. Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, this coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history. 1909 was a notable year in U.S. coinage, as it marked the introduction of the Lincoln Cent, making the Barber Half Dollar a contemporary of this iconic change.
| 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 a 1909 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, particularly those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce and highly valued. The coin’s large size made it prone to wear and contact marks, making high-grade examples particularly desirable.
Collectors pay close attention to strike quality, luster, and the presence of bag marks. Full strike details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are crucial for top grades. Original mint luster, especially if frosty or cartwheel-like, can significantly enhance value.
Mintage: 2,368,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 925,400
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,764,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Toning can play a crucial role in a 1909 Half Dollar’s desirability. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns, especially those with rainbow colors, can command significant premiums. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
The New Orleans (O) mint coins from this year are generally more sought after due to their lower mintage, especially in higher grades. Additionally, any specimens showing exceptional eye appeal or unusual striking characteristics may be of particular interest to advanced collectors of the Barber series.
