Price Guide for 1871 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: $23.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $8,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $53.00 – $807.49Uncirculated: $203.87 – $1,128.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $5.15 – $33,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $37.78 – $885.00Uncirculated: $260.14
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $763.75 – $960.00
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eBayCirculated: $249.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $20,400.00Uncirculated: $8,625.00 – $144,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $144.00 – $15,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $30,000.00Uncirculated: $40,000.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $236.00 – $5,175.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $21,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $330.00Uncirculated: $493.00 – $4,955.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $384.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,026.22
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $6,462.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00 – $3,840.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,350.00Uncirculated: $42,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,680.00 – $1,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,685.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,080.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $375.25
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,920.00 – $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $228.00
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eBayCirculated: $656.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $159.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $634.00 – $12,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,975.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $891.00 – $3,290.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $6,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Half Dollar
The 1871 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1836 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War, reflecting the nation’s gradual return to normalcy and increased silver production in the western United States.
The design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the strength and stability of the young republic, while the reverse eagle represented national pride and power.
| 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 | Eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1871 Half Dollars. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks can greatly enhance a coin’s desirability and value.
For circulated examples, coins with clear design details and minimal wear on high points (such as Liberty’s knee and the eagle’s wings) are more valuable. The quality of strike can vary, with well-struck coins commanding a premium.
Mintage: 1,204,560
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,178,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with strong interest from collectors of western mint coins
Toning can significantly impact the value of 1871 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more desirable to collectors than those with no toning or unattractive toning. The San Francisco mint coins are often more challenging to find in high grades, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable.
Die varieties, while not as prominent for this year, can still add interest and value for specialized collectors. Collectors should also be aware of cleaned or damaged coins, which can significantly reduce value, even in higher grades.
