Price Guide for 1889 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: $173.00 – $3,120.00Uncirculated: $460.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayCirculated: $32.50 – $1,515.68Uncirculated: $27.55 – $1,881.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $322.00 – $16,450.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $643.67 – $860.00Uncirculated: $845.00 – $3,324.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,020.00Uncirculated: $1,057.50 – $7,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,763.00Uncirculated: $506.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,250.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,220.00 – $6,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1889 Half Dollar
The 1889 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 one of the longest-running coin designs in U.S. history. The year 1889 was near the end of this iconic series, making these coins particularly interesting to collectors.
| 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 1889 Half Dollar has a significant impact on its value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Uncirculated specimens, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are extremely rare and command substantial premiums.
For circulated coins, details in Liberty’s hair and drapery, as well as the eagle’s feathers on the reverse, are key areas to examine for wear. Coins with strong strikes and minimal contact marks are highly desirable. The presence of original luster, especially on higher-grade coins, can significantly increase value.
Mintage: 12,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 1,004,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,576,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Toning can play a crucial role in the desirability of 1889 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more valuable than those without. The Philadelphia issue, being a key date with its extremely low mintage, is particularly valuable in all grades.
For the New Orleans and San Francisco issues, mint state examples are scarce and highly sought after. The quality of the strike can vary, especially for New Orleans minted coins, making well-struck examples more valuable. Any prooflike surfaces, particularly on the Philadelphia issue, can add significant premium to the coin’s value.
