Price Guide for 1844 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: $2.25 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $61.09 – $779.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.75 – $4,140.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 – $786.00Uncirculated: $531.10 – $10,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.15 – $10,868.75Uncirculated: $25.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $299.00 – $4,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $8,500.00Uncirculated: $9,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,888.00Uncirculated: $17,625.00 – $22,912.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00Uncirculated: $1,057.50
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eBayCirculated: $154.50 – $476.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00
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eBayUncirculated: $117.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $564.00
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eBayCirculated: $940.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,525.00 – $12,337.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00Uncirculated: $4,320.00 – $5,280.00
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eBayCirculated: $255.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $540.00Uncirculated: $2,115.00 – $3,079.68
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $525.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $170.00 – $646.25Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $91.00 – $108.59
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eBayCirculated: $338.33
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eBayCirculated: $857.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $504.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $540.00 – $6,600.00Uncirculated: $4,320.00 – $8,225.00
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eBayCirculated: $595.00 – $1,244.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $7,750.00Uncirculated: $8,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $76,375.00 – $149,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1844 Half Dollar
The 1844 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from previous coin designs and represented a more artistic approach to American coinage. 1844 was a relatively low mintage year for half dollars, making coins from this year more desirable to collectors.
| 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 Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1844 Half Dollars. Coins in higher grades (AU and above) are significantly rarer and more valuable. Uncirculated examples are especially prized, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and valuable.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, well-struck coins with good luster and minimal contact marks command premium prices. The presence of original toning can also enhance the value, particularly if it’s attractive and even across the coin’s surface.
Mintage: 1,293,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,005,500
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1844 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. Die state can also affect value, with early die state coins typically being more sought after due to their sharper details.
Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade examples. Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections or appearing in important auctions may command a premium. Additionally, originality is highly valued, with untouched, original surfaces being particularly desirable to advanced collectors.
