Price Guide for 1885 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: $270.00 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $552.00 – $12,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $717.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $3,001.37
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $1,675.00Uncirculated: $1,700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $552.00 – $5,581.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $23,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $600.00 – $1,375.00Uncirculated: $699.90 – $3,019.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $630.00 – $930.00Uncirculated: $1,645.00 – $9,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $75.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,410.00 – $3,600.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,005.15 – $1,077.96
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,220.00 – $19,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1885 Half Dollar
The 1885 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 symbolized the nation’s strength and stability. The year 1885 saw relatively low mintages for this denomination, making it an important date for collectors of the series.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| 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
The condition of 1885 Half Dollars has a significant impact on their value. Due to the low mintages and circulation wear, finding high-grade examples is extremely challenging. Uncirculated specimens are particularly valuable, with prices increasing dramatically for coins graded MS65 and above.
For the Philadelphia issue, even circulated examples in VF or XF condition command substantial premiums due to the extremely low mintage. The New Orleans mint coins, while more common, also see significant value increases in higher grades.
Mintage: 5,200
Rarity Scale: Very 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: 193,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1885 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are highly prized. Original luster is another crucial element, with coins retaining their original mint luster being particularly desirable.
Toning can also play a role in the coin’s value. Natural, attractive toning that has developed over time can enhance a coin’s appeal and value to collectors. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can significantly reduce the coin’s value, regardless of its grade.
Due to their rarity, authenticity is a critical concern for 1885 Half Dollars, particularly the Philadelphia issue. Collectors should be cautious and seek expert verification when acquiring these coins.
