Price Guide for 1852 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: $6.25 – $4,560.00Uncirculated: $20.50 – $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $137.50 – $2,650.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $3,738.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.25 – $3,055.00Uncirculated: $17.00 – $43,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $438.00 – $3,370.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,150.00Uncirculated: $4,180.00 – $74,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $743.00 – $20,700.00Uncirculated: $19,550.00 – $24,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00 – $3,055.00Uncirculated: $1,880.00 – $7,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $38.77 – $53.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,800.00 – $2,220.00Uncirculated: $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00 – $3,055.00Uncirculated: $3,760.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00 – $1,110.00Uncirculated: $8,100.00 – $8,400.00
Design and Specifications of the 1852 Half Dollar
The 1852 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a significant coin in American numismatic history. It was produced during a period when silver coins were being hoarded due to their intrinsic value exceeding their face value. This resulted in very low mintages for silver coins, especially at the Philadelphia Mint.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891. This design symbolized the nation’s strength and stability during a period of rapid expansion and economic change.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | O (New Orleans) |
| 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 1852-O Half Dollar has a significant impact on its value. Due to the limited mintage and circulation wear, high-grade examples are extremely scarce. Coins in AU (About Uncirculated) condition or better command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
– Strike quality: Many 1852-O halves were weakly struck, so well-struck examples are highly prized.
– Luster: Original mint luster is rare and greatly enhances value.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or abrasions significantly increase desirability.
Mintage: 144,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a crucial role in the value of 1852 Half Dollars. As a low-mintage year during the silver hoarding period, these coins are highly sought after by collectors of Seated Liberty coinage and 19th-century American coins.
The New Orleans mintmark adds to the coin’s appeal, as the New Orleans Mint has a storied place in American coinage history. Additionally, as the only mint producing half dollars in 1852, the New Orleans issue gains further importance.
Collectors should be aware of potential cleaned or altered surfaces, as these can significantly decrease a coin’s value. Professional grading is highly recommended for high-value specimens to ensure authenticity and accurate grade assessment.
