Price Guide for 1887 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: $260.00 – $4,080.00Uncirculated: $5.50 – $27,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $120.28 – $1,550.00Uncirculated: $34.00 – $1,645.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $1,950.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $3,290.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $17,037.50
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eBayUncirculated: $560.95 – $4,095.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,051.25Uncirculated: $3,760.00 – $29,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,700.00 – $6,168.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $1,292.50Uncirculated: $1,292.50 – $19,975.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,581.25Uncirculated: $810.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,465.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $13,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1887 Half Dollar
The 1887 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted 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 1887 saw production at three mints, reflecting the economic growth and westward expansion of the late 19th century United States.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 1887 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, particularly for the rare Philadelphia issue. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums. For the New Orleans and San Francisco issues, well-preserved examples with strong strikes and minimal bag marks are highly sought after.
The presence of original mint luster and absence of cleaning or other damage are crucial factors. Toning can add to the coin’s appeal, with attractive, natural toning often increasing desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 5,000
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, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 3,216,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: Moderate, common date but popular series
Mintage: 1,272,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: Moderate to High, less common than New Orleans mint
Rarity and historical significance play major roles in the valuation of 1887 Half Dollars. The Philadelphia issue, with its extremely low mintage, is a key date and highly prized by collectors. For all mints, prooflike surfaces on business strikes can significantly increase value.
The overall popularity of the Seated Liberty series among collectors contributes to sustained demand. Additionally, the high silver content provides an intrinsic value base, which can affect prices, especially for lower-grade examples.
