Price Guide for 1840 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: $4.00 – $1,560.00Uncirculated: $4.35 – $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $78.77 – $899.99Uncirculated: $2,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 – $6,600.00Uncirculated: $1,035.00 – $36,718.75
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eBayCirculated: $48.51 – $995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $5,290.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $66,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $150.00 – $1,540.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,155.00 – $109,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $74.75 – $595.00Uncirculated: $80.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $612.00 – $5,040.00Uncirculated: $940.00 – $18,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $763.75Uncirculated: $1,880.00 – $3,055.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $135.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $139.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 – $1,028.13Uncirculated: $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $220.00 – $500.01
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $228.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $182.40 – $456.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $256.99 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $630.00
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eBayCirculated: $425.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $117.50 – $264.00Uncirculated: $1,762.50 – $4,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $780.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $822.50
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eBayCirculated: $172.73 – $531.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00 – $1,020.00
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eBayCirculated: $395.00 – $445.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $840.00Uncirculated: $1,880.00 – $6,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $312.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00
Design and Specifications of the 1840 Half Dollar
The 1840 Half Dollar features the Seated Liberty design, which was introduced in 1839. This design represents a significant shift in American coinage, moving away from the Capped Bust design. 1840 marked the first full year of production for the Seated Liberty Half Dollar, making it an important transitional year for collectors.
The coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1837, reflecting the nation’s growing need for circulating coinage as commerce expanded.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1840 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to extensive circulation and the coin’s age, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, are extremely rare and highly valued.
For circulated coins, wear on Liberty’s knee and breast, as well as on the eagle’s wings and shield on the reverse, are key areas that determine grade. Original luster and minimal contact marks greatly enhance value in higher grades.
Mintage: 1,435,008
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Letters and Medium Letters reverse varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 855,100
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1840 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, command premium prices.
Toning can significantly affect value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are highly prized by collectors. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
The Small Letters and Medium Letters reverse varieties for the Philadelphia mint add interest for variety collectors, with the Medium Letters being scarcer.
As an early date in the Seated Liberty series, the 1840 Half Dollar holds additional appeal for type set collectors and series specialists, contributing to its overall market demand.
