Price Guide for 1870 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: $2.50 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $146.00 – $29,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $515.99Uncirculated: $203.51 – $740.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 – $5,280.00Uncirculated: $880.00 – $90,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $721.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.75 – $71,875.00Uncirculated: $39,600.00 – $172,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,025.01 – $15,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $85,000.00Uncirculated: $100,000.00 – $400,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $259.00 – $1,725.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $203.19 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $365.00 – $4,929.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $288.00Uncirculated: $312.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayCirculated: $227.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00Uncirculated: $930.00 – $2,190.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,030.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00 – $24,028.80
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,100.00 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $72,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26,400.00Uncirculated: $102,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00 – $26,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $246.75 – $336.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $750.00 – $5,522.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Half Dollar
The 1870 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a significant coin in American numismatic history. It was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War. This year is particularly notable as it marks the first year of production for the Carson City Mint, adding a new and highly collectible mint mark to the series.
The Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1839, was nearing the end of its run, making coins from this period increasingly interesting to collectors. The 1870 issue bridges the gap between the post-Civil War era and the upcoming changes in American coinage that would occur in the following decades.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | S, CC |
| 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 1870 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated grades are relatively available, but specimens in Mint State are scarce to rare. The Carson City issues, in particular, are highly prized in all grades due to their low mintage and historical significance.
Strike quality can vary, especially on San Francisco and Carson City issues. Well-struck coins with full detail on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers command premiums. Original luster is highly desirable, and coins with attractive, natural toning can see increased demand among collectors.
Mintage: 608,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,004,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Mintage: 54,617
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Mintmark rarity plays a crucial role in valuation. The Carson City (CC) mint mark is the most valuable due to its low mintage and being the first year of production for this mint. Die varieties, while not numerous for this year, can add value if identified.
The historical significance of the Carson City Mint’s first year of operation makes the CC mint mark especially desirable to collectors of Western American history. Additionally, any proofs from this year, which were struck at Philadelphia, are extremely rare and valuable, with only a few hundred produced.
