Price Guide for 1837 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: $4.50 – $24,000.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $180,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.99 – $2,200.00Uncirculated: $459.00 – $4,249.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $185,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23,000.00 – $32,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $384.00
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eBayCirculated: $53.77 – $499.99Uncirculated: $161.01 – $1,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,560.00Uncirculated: $3,055.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $117.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $30,550.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $170.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00Uncirculated: $1,225.00 – $8,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $380.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $111.00 – $900.00
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eBayCirculated: $337.66
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $480.00Uncirculated: $1,470.00 – $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $999.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $1,762.50 – $5,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $300.00 – $660.00Uncirculated: $1,680.00 – $111,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $300.01 – $415.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $360.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00Uncirculated: $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00 – $1,470.00Uncirculated: $763.75
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eBayCirculated: $74.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,410.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayCirculated: $77.00 – $597.43
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $312.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $5,287.50
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eBayCirculated: $185.70 – $320.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00Uncirculated: $940.00 – $3,144.00
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eBayCirculated: $227.60 – $262.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40.00 – $1,997.50Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $4,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $70.00
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eBayCirculated: $140.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $2,350.00 – $9,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $875.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $4,080.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $941.00Uncirculated: $576.00 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $180.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $2,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $150.00 – $835.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $780.00Uncirculated: $960.00 – $17,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $900.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $258.50 – $660.00Uncirculated: $1,110.00 – $29,375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,081.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00Uncirculated: $2,880.00 – $9,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,020.00 – $1,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $210.50
Design and Specifications of the 1837 Half Dollar
The 1837 Half Dollar marks a significant transition in American coinage. This year saw the introduction of the Seated Liberty design, which would become one of the longest-running motifs in U.S. coin history. The new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, replaced the Capped Bust design that had been in use since 1807.
1837 was also notable as the first year of operation for the New Orleans Mint, expanding the nation’s coining capacity to meet the growing demand for currency in the expanding country.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle, designed by John Reich (modified by Christian Gobrecht) |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1837 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. As the first year of a new design, many were saved as souvenirs, but high-grade examples remain scarce. For Philadelphia issues, coins in MS65 or better are rare and command substantial premiums.
New Orleans issues are particularly valuable in high grades, with examples above MS63 being extremely rare. The strike quality can vary, especially for New Orleans coins, which often have weaker strikes due to the mint’s inexperience.
Mintage: 3,629,820
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Date, Large Date
Market Demand: High, due to first year of Seated Liberty design
Mintage: 200,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, due to first year of New Orleans Mint
Date size varieties for Philadelphia coins can affect value, with the Small Date being scarcer. Original mint luster and attractive natural toning can significantly enhance desirability and value.
For New Orleans coins, the historical significance as the first year of the mint’s operation adds to their appeal. Die state can also be a factor, with early die state examples often commanding a premium due to sharper details.
