Price Guide for 1850 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: $10.40 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $518.00 – $117,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $410.00 – $1,795.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 – $2,280.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $66.50 – $900.00Uncirculated: $531.10 – $9,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00 – $5,750.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $161,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $587.50 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $2,040.00 – $2,280.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $960.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $564.00Uncirculated: $480.00 – $9,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00Uncirculated: $960.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $576.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $173.27
Design and Specifications of the 1850 Half Dollar
The 1850 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1839 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a significant period in American history, just before the California Gold Rush reached its peak and tensions leading to the Civil War were building.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s strength and stability during a time of rapid expansion and change. The reverse design with the heraldic eagle represented national pride and sovereignty.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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 1850 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Uncirculated specimens are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher commanding substantial premiums.
Original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks are crucial for high-grade examples. Coins with attractive natural toning can also command higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 227,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,456,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: 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 1850 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full detail on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. The Philadelphia issue, being a low mintage year, is particularly valuable in all grades.
The New Orleans mintage, while higher, can still command good premiums in higher grades due to generally poorer strike quality and harsher circulation conditions. Collectors also value originality, preferring coins that haven’t been cleaned or altered over the years.
