Price Guide for 1854 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: $3.50 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $2.35 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.61 – $935.00Uncirculated: $255.00 – $12,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 – $54,050.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $68,425.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $633.00Uncirculated: $389.27 – $2,167.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12,000.00Uncirculated: $7,763.00 – $70,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5,000.00 – $8,500.00Uncirculated: $10,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 – $156.00Uncirculated: $660.00 – $9,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $33.00 – $763.75Uncirculated: $940.00 – $5,170.00
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eBayCirculated: $91.00 – $255.00
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eBayCirculated: $200.00
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eBayCirculated: $136.32
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eBayCirculated: $23.27
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $68.00 – $76.00
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eBayCirculated: $149.99
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eBayCirculated: $85.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $720.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00
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eBayCirculated: $128.73 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.00 – $320.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,020.00 – $1,140.00Uncirculated: $45,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $65,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $164.01 – $445.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.00 – $449.99
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eBayCirculated: $223.54 – $475.00
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eBayCirculated: $291.96 – $700.00
Design and Specifications of the 1854 Half Dollar
The 1854 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This year is significant as it marks the last year of the ‘No Arrows’ type before the weight reduction in 1853. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a popular and enduring motif in American coinage.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, P (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1854 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS60 and above) are considerably rarer and more valuable due to the extensive circulation of this denomination. Uncirculated specimens with original luster are highly prized by collectors.
For New Orleans minted coins, strike quality can be an issue, with many examples showing weakness in certain areas. Well-struck coins with full details command a premium.
Mintage: 2,982,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 5,240,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Toning can play a crucial role in the desirability of 1854 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more valuable than those without. Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can also add interest and value for specialized collectors.
The historical significance of this year, being the last before the weight reduction, adds to the coin’s appeal. Collectors often seek examples from this year to complete type sets or as representatives of the pre-weight change era.
