Price Guide for 1859 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: $21.00 – $1,680.00Uncirculated: $258.50 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $60.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $417.85 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.75 – $1,955.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $66,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.55 – $575.00Uncirculated: $427.41 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.80 – $1,920.00Uncirculated: $646.00 – $82,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $53.00 – $1,436.00Uncirculated: $1,213.91 – $7,510.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $524.00Uncirculated: $599.99 – $2,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00Uncirculated: $630.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayCirculated: $238.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $564.00Uncirculated: $480.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $61.00Uncirculated: $940.00
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eBayCirculated: $499.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,320.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $104.00
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eBayCirculated: $27.00 – $80.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00Uncirculated: $2,640.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00
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eBayCirculated: $64.00 – $563.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $780.00
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eBayCirculated: $366.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,600.00 – $3,760.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00Uncirculated: $720.00 – $3,525.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $805.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,984.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10,350.00 – $12,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $21,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1859 Half Dollar
The 1859 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and symbolized the growing nation’s stability and strength.
1859 was a year of increasing tensions between the North and South, just two years before the outbreak of the Civil War. The coin’s production reflected the economic activities and silver availability of the time.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 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
The condition of 1859 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 these coins.
Mint State examples with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums. The presence of original toning can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 747,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,834,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1859 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. The New Orleans mint often produced coins with weaker strikes, making sharp examples from this mint particularly valuable.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in earlier years, can still affect value. Collectors may pay premiums for coins with interesting die cracks or other minor varieties.
The historical significance of coins minted just before the Civil War adds to their appeal, especially for collectors focused on this pivotal period in American history.
