Price Guide for 1820 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: $72.00 – $3,760.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $70,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.77 – $3,555.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $5,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 – $4,838.00Uncirculated: $1,650.00 – $11,456.25
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eBayCirculated: $76.00 – $1,425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $4,750.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.50 – $5,287.50Uncirculated: $4.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $156.94 – $1,780.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $5,040.00Uncirculated: $851.88 – $23,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $105.50 – $1,978.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.00 – $7,637.50Uncirculated: $1,093.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $127.49 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $1,483.25 – $6,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $5,500.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $630.00Uncirculated: $24,200.00 – $35,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $53.00 – $1,624.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75,000.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $2,040.00 – $17,037.50
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eBayCirculated: $247.50 – $2,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $7,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00 – $4,201.20
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eBayCirculated: $520.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $212.00 – $1,170.00Uncirculated: $8,603.00 – $16,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $95.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $4,750.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $1,600.00 – $4,299.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $53.00 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $3,995.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $204.05 – $775.00Uncirculated: $39.00 – $220.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $4,250.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $1,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $701.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $4,935.00Uncirculated: $3,030.00 – $66,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $132.50 – $2,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $3,750.00Uncirculated: $4,000.00 – $57,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.88 – $2,860.00Uncirculated: $3,422.00 – $70,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $127.00 – $2,895.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $3,750.00Uncirculated: $4,000.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $475.00 – $1,610.39
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $135.13 – $7,205.00Uncirculated: $7,800.00 – $47,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $117.51 – $626.06
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $47,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 – $5,775.00Uncirculated: $15,275.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $665.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $5,720.00Uncirculated: $1,093.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $130.50 – $3,651.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1820 Half Dollar
The 1820 Half Dollar is part of the Capped Bust series, which was minted from 1807 to 1839. This coin represents a significant period in early American coinage, as it was produced during the formative years of the United States Mint. The Capped Bust design, created by German-born engraver John Reich, was a departure from the previous Draped Bust design and symbolized a more mature and confident young nation.
| Weight | 13.48 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Capped Bust of Liberty facing left, designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1820 Half Dollar’s value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The strike quality can vary, with some examples showing weakness in certain areas, particularly on the eagle’s talons and wing feathers. Well-struck examples with full detail command significant premiums.
Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can be especially valuable. Conversely, coins with heavy wear, cleaning, or other damage are less desirable and valuable.
Mintage: 751,122
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Square Base 2, Knob 2, and Small Date varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The 1820 Half Dollar has several notable varieties that can affect its value:
1. Square Base 2: This variety features a square base on the numeral 2 in the date.
2. Knob 2: This variety has a distinct knob on the upper curve of the 2 in the date.
3. Small Date: As the name suggests, this variety features smaller numerals in the date.
These varieties can command significant premiums, especially in higher grades. Additionally, the overall eye appeal of the coin, including its strike, luster, and toning, can greatly influence its value among discerning collectors.
