Price Guide for 1842 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.50 – $1,560.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $25,850.00
-
eBayCirculated: $61.17 – $850.00Uncirculated: $1,295.00 – $7,850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,400.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $30,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $11,500.00Uncirculated: $14,100.00 – $43,125.00
-
eBayCirculated: $866.00 – $4,150.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $17,500.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $75,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $49.00 – $30,027.60Uncirculated: $702.00 – $99,875.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17,500.00 – $50,000.00Uncirculated: $125,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $311.00 – $25,850.00
-
eBayCirculated: $69.00 – $647.00Uncirculated: $2,079.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $20,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $28,000.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $34,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $56.00 – $1,066.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $25,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00 – $36,000.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $77,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $119.05 – $750.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5,000.00Uncirculated: $45,000.00 – $55,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,680.00 – $12,925.00Uncirculated: $11,750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1,406.20 – $1,795.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,020.00 – $3,120.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $5,170.00
-
eBayCirculated: $450.01 – $591.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $480.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $529.00Uncirculated: $881.25 – $4,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $179.00 – $400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $2,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $499.38 – $690.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $411.00
-
eBayCirculated: $173.50 – $225.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $587.50Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $3,360.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,440.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $840.00Uncirculated: $1,292.50 – $2,585.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $646.25
-
eBayCirculated: $650.00 – $800.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1,249.95
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00Uncirculated: $3,120.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00
Design and Specifications of the 1842 Half Dollar
The 1842 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from the previous Capped Bust design. The year 1842 saw production at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans mints, reflecting the growing need for coinage in the expanding United States economy.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 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 1842 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are considerably rarer and more valuable due to the extensive circulation of these coins. The presence of original luster and minimal contact marks can greatly enhance the coin’s desirability.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are highly prized. The Small Date and Large Date varieties for both mints can also affect value, with the Large Date typically being scarcer.
Mintage: 2,223,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Date and Large Date varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 957,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Date and Large Date varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Toning can play a significant role in the value of 1842 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more desirable to collectors. The New Orleans mint coins are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage and often weaker strikes.
The presence of die cracks or other minor minting varieties can also increase interest and value among specialized collectors. Additionally, coins with a provenance from famous collections or with CAC approval for quality within their grade can command premium prices.
