Price Guide for 1797 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: $101.00 – $160,000.00Uncirculated: $85,000.00 – $1,560,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25,000.00 – $325,000.00Uncirculated: $335,000.00 – $2,000,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18,800.00 – $253,000.00Uncirculated: $493,500.00 – $1,680,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25,000.00 – $325,000.00Uncirculated: $335,000.00 – $2,000,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8,337.50 – $28,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $42.09
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32,500.00 – $300,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11,550.00 – $270,250.00Uncirculated: $192,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70,000.00 – $325,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1797 Half Dollar
The 1797 Half Dollar is a highly significant and rare early American coin. It represents the second year of the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, which was only produced for three years (1796-1797 for half dollars). This coin was minted during the formative years of the United States Mint, when production was still limited and inconsistent.
The 1797 Half Dollar holds a special place in numismatic history as one of the earliest half dollar issues and a representative of the short-lived Small Eagle reverse design.
| Weight | 13.48 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small Eagle design, with an eagle perched on a cloud, holding a wreath in its beak, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1797 Half Dollar has a tremendous impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, very few specimens have survived in high grades. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are considered highly desirable and command significant premiums.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many were weakly struck due to primitive minting techniques. Well-struck examples with full detail are especially valuable. Original surfaces and natural toning are highly prized by collectors and can substantially increase the coin’s value.
Mintage: 3,918
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (XF or better). Most surviving specimens show significant wear.
Varieties Errors: 15 Stars and 16 Stars obverse varieties
Market Demand: High, due to its status as an early American rarity and the limited availability of specimens
The 15 Stars and 16 Stars obverse varieties add another layer of collectibility to the 1797 Half Dollar. The 15 Stars variety is slightly rarer and often commands a premium.
Provenance can significantly enhance value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions. Any die state variations or interesting characteristics specific to an individual coin can also increase its desirability among specialized collectors.
As one of the earliest U.S. half dollar issues, the 1797 Half Dollar is an important type coin, which drives demand from both half dollar specialists and type set collectors, further supporting its strong market value.
