Price Guide for 1851 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: $5.75 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $58,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,055.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $5,880.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $850.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.00 – $2,115.00Uncirculated: $2.85 – $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $158.51 – $1,146.97Uncirculated: $1,815.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,351.25 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $3,360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,704.93 – $3,172.50Uncirculated: $3,480.00 – $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,762.50
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eBayCirculated: $248.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,280.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,280.00Uncirculated: $3,360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,560.00 – $2,760.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $910.63Uncirculated: $1,320.00 – $7,637.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00 – $840.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00 – $840.00
Design and Specifications of the 1851 Half Dollar
The 1851 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 1851 was notable for the California Gold Rush, which was in full swing, affecting the economy and coinage of the time.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | O (New Orleans), 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 an 1851 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Due to the age and circulation of these coins, finding high-grade specimens is challenging. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
For circulated coins, the amount of detail remaining on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers is crucial. Coins with clear, sharp details and minimal wear command higher premiums. The presence of original luster can also greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 200,750
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Mintage: 402,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1851 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable than weakly struck examples. The New Orleans mint is known for producing coins with weaker strikes, making well-struck O-mint coins particularly desirable.
Toning can also affect value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often preferred by collectors over those with no toning or artificial color. However, original, untoned surfaces can also be highly prized if they show good luster.
As with many coins from this era, the historical context of the California Gold Rush adds to the appeal and value of 1851 Half Dollars, particularly for collectors interested in this period of American history.
