Price Guide for 1888 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: $127.00 – $11,040.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $20,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $64.55 – $1,225.00Uncirculated: $3,800.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $1,550.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $391.00 – $2,200.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $22,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $591.51 – $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00 – $1,440.00Uncirculated: $998.75 – $7,931.25
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eBayUncirculated: $1,009.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,800.00 – $3,107.00Uncirculated: $951.75 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,038.00 – $41,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $10,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1888 Half Dollar
The 1888 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1839 and continued until 1891. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history, as it was minted during the final years of the Seated Liberty design before the transition to the Barber coinage.
The year 1888 saw relatively low mintages across all mints, making these coins somewhat scarce in today’s market. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s stability and strength during a period of rapid expansion and industrial growth in the late 19th century.
| 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 an 1888 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Coins in higher grades, particularly those in Mint State (MS) condition, are considerably rarer and more valuable.
Uncirculated examples with strong luster and minimal contact marks are highly sought after. The presence of original toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and natural.
For circulated coins, the level of detail retention on Liberty’s head, hand, and the shield on the obverse, as well as the eagle’s feathers on the reverse, are crucial in determining grade and value.
Mintage: 2,354,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 12,001
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,280,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, particularly for well-preserved examples
Mint mark rarity plays a significant role in the value of 1888 Half Dollars. The Philadelphia issue, with its extremely low mintage of just 12,001 coins, is considered a key date and commands a substantial premium in all grades.
Strike quality can vary among the different mint locations, with well-struck examples being more desirable. San Francisco coins are often noted for their superior strike quality.
The preservation of design details, especially on Liberty’s drapery and the eagle’s feathers, can significantly impact value. Coins with proof-like surfaces, occasionally found among early strikes, may command a premium.
Lastly, the historical significance of the Seated Liberty design, being one of the last years of issue, adds to the overall appeal and collectibility of the 1888 Half Dollar.
