Price Guide for 1865 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: $1.30 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $92,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $2,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $51.00 – $1,980.00Uncirculated: $506.00 – $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $40.99 – $1,899.00Uncirculated: $813.10
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $2,600.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $4.75 – $36,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,530.00 – $2,908.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $1,410.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $657.66Uncirculated: $228.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00 – $960.00Uncirculated: $2,820.00 – $3,172.50
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eBayCirculated: $348.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $1,140.00Uncirculated: $3,360.00 – $8,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,750.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $810.00Uncirculated: $1,762.50 – $14,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $1,320.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,140.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $384.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00Uncirculated: $9,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,887.50 – $21,150.00Uncirculated: $748.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,466.00 – $3,795.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,000.00 – $117,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $135,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1865 Half Dollar
The 1865 Half Dollar was minted during the final year of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891. The coin’s production reflects the economic challenges of the post-war era and the ongoing transition from a wartime to peacetime economy.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco) |
| 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 1865 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are extremely rare. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable.
Original luster and minimal contact marks are crucial factors in determining grade and value. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples being more desirable. Attractive toning can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 511,400
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and low mintage
Mintage: 675,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Several factors contribute to the value of 1865 Half Dollars:
1. Historical significance: Minted in the final year of the Civil War, these coins hold special interest for collectors of American history.
2. Low mintage: Both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues have relatively low mintages, increasing their scarcity.
3. Survival rate: Many coins from this era were melted or heavily circulated, making well-preserved specimens rare.
4. Date and mint mark clarity: Coins with clear, well-defined date and mint marks (for San Francisco issues) are more valuable.
5. Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting characteristics can command a premium among specialized collectors.
