Price Guide for 1821 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: $2.40 – $4,070.00Uncirculated: $460.00 – $115,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $56.55 – $1,885.00Uncirculated: $1,099.00 – $9,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $58.00 – $667.00Uncirculated: $3,120.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayCirculated: $230.30 – $780.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,300.00Uncirculated: $5,940.00 – $82,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00 – $1,680.00Uncirculated: $2,350.00 – $15,862.50
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eBayCirculated: $182.50 – $647.33
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 – $908.00Uncirculated: $2,124.00 – $5,280.00
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eBayCirculated: $120.00 – $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $61.00 – $2,753.00Uncirculated: $458.25 – $8,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $128.02 – $635.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $164.50 – $2,533.20Uncirculated: $4,817.50
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eBayCirculated: $194.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $90.00 – $2,300.00Uncirculated: $7,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $7,250.00 – $8,338.00
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eBayCirculated: $77.00 – $455.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $1,410.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $164.50 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $2,820.00
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eBayCirculated: $203.50 – $1,333.33
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $6,300.00 – $36,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $202.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $36,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $3,760.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $6,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $122.50 – $450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $4,230.00Uncirculated: $4,347.50 – $6,168.75
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eBayCirculated: $210.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $1,530.00Uncirculated: $1,527.50 – $64,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $911.00 – $1,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $64,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1821 Half Dollar
The 1821 Half Dollar is part of the Capped Bust series, which was minted from 1807 to 1839. This coin was produced during a time when the United States was expanding westward and experiencing economic growth. Half dollars were an important denomination for commerce in the early 19th century, often used in larger transactions and for international trade.
| 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 design, featuring Liberty facing left, designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle with shield, designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1821 Half Dollars. Coins in higher grades (AU and above) are particularly sought after by collectors. The presence of original luster and minimal contact marks can significantly increase the coin’s value. Specimens with attractive natural toning are also highly prized.
Due to the coin’s age and circulation, finding examples in mint state is challenging, making high-grade specimens particularly valuable. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck coins commanding a premium.
Mintage: 1,305,797
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: O-101, O-102, O-103, O-104, O-105 (Overton varieties)
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Overton varieties can affect the value of 1821 Half Dollars. Some varieties are rarer than others, with the O-101 and O-105 being among the scarcest. Die states and die cracks can also influence value, with early die states often being more desirable.
Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade specimens with a history of belonging to notable collections. Additionally, originality is highly valued, with untouched, original surfaces commanding a premium over cleaned or altered coins.
