Price Guide for 1880 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: $106.00 – $3,600.00Uncirculated: $460.00 – $29,770.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00 – $1,675.00Uncirculated: $263.88 – $9,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $1,900.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $335.00 – $8,813.00Uncirculated: $3.40 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $511.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $585.00 – $7,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,199.60 – $2,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,200.00Uncirculated: $299.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $660.00Uncirculated: $1,080.00 – $14,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $1,900.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,175.00 – $3,466.25Uncirculated: $660.00 – $12,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $821.00 – $3,675.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,738.00Uncirculated: $1,265.00 – $7,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1880 Half Dollar
The 1880 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and became iconic in American numismatics. The year 1880 saw relatively low mintages for this denomination, making it an interesting year for collectors.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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
The condition of an 1880 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Due to the low mintages and age of these coins, well-preserved specimens are highly sought after. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
For the Philadelphia issue, even circulated examples in VF (Very Fine) or XF (Extremely Fine) conditions command substantial premiums due to the extremely low mintage. The San Francisco issue, while more common, also sees significant value increases in higher grades.
Mintage: 8,400
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,920,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Strike quality is an important factor for 1880 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. Original luster is highly prized, especially on the Philadelphia issues.
Toning can also affect value. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums, particularly if the toning is vibrant and multicolored. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
For the rare Philadelphia issue, provenance (ownership history) can add significant value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions.
