Price Guide for 1848 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: $1.50 – $1,840.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.00 – $1,076.23Uncirculated: $525.00 – $1,652.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.65 – $1,920.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $16,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $40.00 – $1,799.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22,000.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $74,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $372.00 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $1,080.00 – $8,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $56.00 – $689.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00
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eBayUncirculated: $330.65
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $999.99
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eBayCirculated: $185.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00Uncirculated: $2,585.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00Uncirculated: $5,400.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $763.75
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $705.00 – $32,900.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00
Design and Specifications of the 1848 Half Dollar
The 1848 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This year saw continued production amid the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and growing tensions over slavery. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 would soon impact the nation’s economy and coinage, though its effects were not yet felt in this year’s mintage.
| 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 1848 Half Dollars. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are significantly rarer and more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks greatly enhance desirability.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, examples in MS65 or higher grades are extremely rare and command substantial premiums. Attractive natural toning can also increase appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 580,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,180,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important consideration for 1848 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full detail on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. The New Orleans issue often has weaker strikes, making sharp examples particularly valuable.
Die state varieties, while not major, can add interest for specialized collectors. Advanced collectors may seek out examples showing different stages of die wear or minor die cracks.
The historical context of the Mexican-American War may add appeal for some collectors, especially for coins showing signs of circulation from this period.
