Price Guide for 1866 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: $42.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $336.00 – $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.00 – $617.00Uncirculated: $371.00 – $1,009.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $2,820.00Uncirculated: $4.35 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $626.00Uncirculated: $580.00 – $2,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.15 – $56,000.00Uncirculated: $2,760.00 – $164,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $112.50 – $5,351.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $9,000.00Uncirculated: $11,000.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $2,400.00Uncirculated: $456.00 – $17,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.00 – $1,275.00Uncirculated: $3,585.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00 – $2,820.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $19,975.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $528.00Uncirculated: $1,140.00 – $43,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $1,680.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,020.00Uncirculated: $1,880.00 – $30,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00
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eBayCirculated: $180.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $2,849.38
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,028.00 – $32,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,349.00 – $2,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31,500.00 – $102,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $110,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1866 Half Dollar
The 1866 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This year is significant as it marks the first year of production after the Civil War, during a period of economic recovery. The coin features the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ on the reverse, which was added to the design in 1866 following a surge of religious sentiment after the war.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | S |
| 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 is crucial for the 1866-S Half Dollar. Well-preserved examples are scarce, as many were heavily circulated. Coins in Mint State grades are rare and highly valued. Look for strong strike details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers. Original luster is highly prized, and attractive natural toning can significantly enhance value.
Mintage: 994,000
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 examples
The 1866-S Half Dollar is sought after by collectors for its historical significance and lower mintage. First-year issues with the motto add to its appeal. The San Francisco mint mark is desirable, as it generally saw more circulation than its Philadelphia counterpart. Die varieties, while not major, can add interest for specialized collectors. The absence of Philadelphia-minted coins for this year makes the San Francisco issue even more important to series collectors.
