Price Guide for 1863 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: $35.00 – $1,446.00Uncirculated: $357.00 – $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $71.00 – $599.00Uncirculated: $483.00 – $1,136.11
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $9,106.25
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eBayCirculated: $44.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $855.00 – $2,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $1,450.00Uncirculated: $5.75 – $66,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $455.00Uncirculated: $776.00 – $2,716.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $517.00
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eBayCirculated: $541.02Uncirculated: $460.75
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 – $230.00Uncirculated: $3,450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00Uncirculated: $6,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $4,320.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $375.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $834.00 – $48,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $22,200.00 – $35,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $37,500.00 – $42,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1863 Half Dollar
The 1863 Half Dollar was minted during the height of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891. The coin’s production was affected by the ongoing conflict, with silver hoarding impacting circulation and mintage numbers.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1863 Half Dollars. Due to the coin’s age and limited circulation, high-grade specimens are exceptionally rare. Coins in Mint State conditions, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums.
For circulated examples, the presence of original luster and minimal contact marks can greatly enhance value. The quality of the strike is also important, with well-struck coins showing full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers being more desirable.
Mintage: 503,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 916,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Historical significance adds to the appeal of the 1863 Half Dollar. As a Civil War era coin, it holds special interest for collectors of American history. The low mintage numbers, particularly for the Philadelphia issue, make this a scarce coin even in lower grades.
Toning can significantly impact value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more valuable than those without. However, any signs of cleaning or artificial toning can severely decrease value.
For the San Francisco mint coins, the strength of the mint mark can affect desirability, with bold, clear mint marks being more sought after.
