Price Guide for 1794 Half Cent 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: $6.55 – $57,500.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $103,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.95 – $13,499.99Uncirculated: $60.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $23,500.00Uncirculated: $26,000.00 – $275,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,027.00Uncirculated: $133.50 – $144.45
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $240,000.00 – $1,150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $282.00 – $7,638.00
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eBayCirculated: $685.00 – $7,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $775.00 – $32,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 – $285,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $10,800.00Uncirculated: $72,000.00 – $103,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $799.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $27,500.00Uncirculated: $28,500.00 – $485,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,037.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $24,000.00Uncirculated: $18,800.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $690.00 – $9,155.00Uncirculated: $105.10
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $825.00 – $36,050.00Uncirculated: $38,500.00 – $130,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,438.00 – $6,756.00Uncirculated: $20,700.00 – $27,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $489.00 – $3,450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $399.60 – $38,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,626.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $24,150.00Uncirculated: $20,125.00 – $88,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $815.00 – $36,000.00Uncirculated: $38,500.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,495.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00 – $1,093.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,340.00 – $57,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,350.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $35,650.00Uncirculated: $28,800.00 – $207,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,700.00 – $14,500.00Uncirculated: $40,000.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $529.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,993.75 – $60,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $165.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00 – $28,800.00Uncirculated: $14,950.00 – $299,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $450.00 – $4,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $800.00 – $34,000.00Uncirculated: $36,500.00 – $285,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $546.00 – $3,738.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $583.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,038.00 – $78,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10,500.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00 – $15,275.00Uncirculated: $42,000.00 – $195,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,525.00 – $1,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,900.00 – $22,500.00Uncirculated: $115,000.00 – $250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,840.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26,400.00 – $103,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $74,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,265.00 – $43,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $900.00 – $1,351.87Uncirculated: $113.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $940,000.00 – $1,150,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $552.00 – $40,800.00Uncirculated: $32,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,650.00 – $13,000.00Uncirculated: $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $21,600.00Uncirculated: $11,162.50 – $408,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $540.00 – $3,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,300.00 – $17,500.00Uncirculated: $28,500.00 – $475,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $156,000.00 – $402,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250,000.00 – $525,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1794 Half Cent
The 1794 Half Cent was one of the earliest coins produced by the United States Mint. It was part of the Liberty Cap series, which began in 1793 and continued until 1797. This coin represents a significant period in early American numismatics, as it was minted during the formative years of the U.S. monetary system.
The Half Cent, while the lowest denomination, played an important role in everyday commerce during the late 18th century. Its production in 1794 helped to address the need for small change in a growing economy.
Weight | 6.74 grams |
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Diameter | 23.5 mm |
Mint Marks | None (All minted in Philadelphia) |
Composition | 100% Copper |
Obverse Design | Liberty facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing denomination 'HALF CENT', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1794 Half Cent has a significant impact on its value. Due to the coin’s age and the primitive minting techniques of the time, finding high-grade specimens is extremely challenging. Coins in circulated condition (Good to Very Fine) are more commonly available but still command strong premiums.
Uncirculated examples are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original red color on copper coins from this era can substantially increase value. Strike quality is also a crucial factor, as many 1794 Half Cents exhibit weakness in certain areas due to the limitations of early minting technology.
Mintage: 81,600
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: Normal Edge and High Relief Head varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Variety collecting is an important aspect of 1794 Half Cents. The High Relief Head variety is particularly desirable and commands a premium. Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples often being more valuable.
Provenance can play a significant role in the value of these coins. Examples with a documented history of ownership, especially those from famous collections, can command substantial premiums.
The overall eye appeal of the coin, including factors such as toning and surface preservation, can greatly influence its desirability and value among advanced collectors.