Price Guide for 1846 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: $2.15 – $2,090.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $47,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $59.95 – $750.00Uncirculated: $582.00 – $1,402.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.25 – $5,728.13Uncirculated: $6,325.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $132.51 – $4,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $9,000.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 – $960.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $38.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $1,086.00 – $1,814.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $3,019.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $338.33 – $1,975.00Uncirculated: $5,655.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $2,160.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $27,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $30.00 – $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,645.00 – $35,000.00Uncirculated: $57.50 – $57,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $504.00 – $1,233.75
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eBayCirculated: $99.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00Uncirculated: $1,527.50
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eBayCirculated: $2,801.23
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eBayCirculated: $181.50 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $186.00 – $504.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $198.00 – $920.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 – $4,680.00
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eBayCirculated: $256.66 – $510.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $235.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $1,645.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00 – $454.58
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $431.00 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $4,935.00 – $15,862.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $26,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.75 – $528.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $78.87
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $282.00Uncirculated: $1,527.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $2,585.00 – $3,525.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $102.50 – $322.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,040.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $646.25 – $3,525.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $8,000.00Uncirculated: $11,000.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $1,080.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25,300.00
Design and Specifications of the 1846 Half Dollar
The 1846 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 previous coin designs and symbolized the nation’s strength and stability. The year 1846 was notable as it fell during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), a period of territorial expansion for the United States.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 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
The condition of 1846 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher mint state grades (MS60 and above) are particularly scarce and command substantial premiums. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples being more desirable. Original luster is a key factor, as many circulated extensively.
Toning can also play a role in value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices among collectors. The presence of marks or scratches can significantly reduce value, especially in higher grades.
Mintage: 2,210,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Medium Date, Tall Date
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,304,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Variety collectors may pay a premium for the Medium Date and Tall Date varieties of the Philadelphia issue. The New Orleans (O) mint mark adds interest for some collectors, as coins from this mint often have softer strikes and are harder to find in high grades.
The historical context of the Mexican-American War can add appeal for history-oriented collectors. Additionally, as these coins are over 175 years old, well-preserved examples with minimal wear and good eye appeal are highly sought after by type set collectors and Seated Liberty series specialists.
