Price Guide for 1886 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: $311.00 – $1,560.00Uncirculated: $604.00 – $48,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $137.50 – $1,402.44Uncirculated: $38.44 – $4,072.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $357.00 – $3,960.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $26,940.00
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eBayUncirculated: $29.00 – $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,230.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $630.00 – $780.00Uncirculated: $1,020.00 – $4,465.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $940.00 – $3,870.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,106.81 – $1,998.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,645.00 – $15,525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1886 Half Dollar
The 1886 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1839 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a period of low mintage for half dollars, as the demand for this denomination was relatively low in circulation due to economic factors and the prevalence of paper currency.
| Weight | 12.44 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 with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1886 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, particularly for the Philadelphia issue. Due to the extremely low mintage of the Philadelphia coins, even circulated examples command high premiums. For both mints:
Uncirculated specimens are highly prized, with coins in MS65 or higher being exceptionally rare and valuable. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks greatly enhance desirability.
Proof issues from Philadelphia, while not included in the circulation mintage, are also extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 5,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 2,150,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1886 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are more desirable.
Toning can significantly affect value. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned specimens.
For the New Orleans issue, coins with a strong, clear mint mark are preferred, as weak strikes can sometimes result in a faint mint mark.
The Philadelphia issue’s extreme rarity means that any authentic example, regardless of condition, is valuable to collectors focusing on date and mint mark collections.
