Price Guide for 1892 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: $30.00 – $10,000.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $66,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.69 – $1,795.00Uncirculated: $271.00 – $4,230.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $54.00 – $1,840.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.50 – $1,825.00Uncirculated: $910.00 – $4,077.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,425.00Uncirculated: $1,525.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $3,163.00Uncirculated: $6.30 – $108,688.00
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eBayCirculated: $107.50 – $1,399.00Uncirculated: $910.00 – $2,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $1,375.00Uncirculated: $1,425.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $900.00 – $20,700.00Uncirculated: $10,350.00 – $199,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $749.00 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,850.00 – $30,000.00Uncirculated: $32,500.00 – $240,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $3.65 – $15,525.00
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eBayCirculated: $450.00Uncirculated: $640.00 – $4,695.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207.00 – $660.00Uncirculated: $460.00 – $2,115.00
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eBayCirculated: $357.00 – $595.00Uncirculated: $525.00 – $2,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $425.00 – $825.00Uncirculated: $875.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,115.00 – $12,337.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,250.00 – $30,000.00Uncirculated: $32,500.00 – $250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,168.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,400.00 – $6,500.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $616.00 – $5,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,840.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $26,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1892 Half Dollar
The 1892 Half Dollar marks the first year of the Barber coinage, which replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. This new design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, was part of a broader redesign of American silver coinage. The Barber Half Dollar would continue to be minted until 1915.
The year 1892 is significant as it represents the transition between two major design eras in American coinage, making it a notable year for collectors and numismatists.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S (New Orleans and San Francisco); No mint mark for Philadelphia |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Barber), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1892 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. As the first year of issue, many were saved as souvenirs, but high-grade examples remain scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are highly prized, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly valuable.
Strike quality is an important factor, as some 1892 issues can be weakly struck. Coins with full breast feathers on the eagle and sharp details in Liberty’s hair command premiums. Original luster and attractive toning can also significantly enhance value.
Mintage: 934,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue and historical significance
Mintage: 390,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 1,029,028
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue
Several factors can influence the value of 1892 Half Dollars:
1. First Year of Issue: As the inaugural year of the Barber design, 1892 coins hold special appeal for collectors.
2. Mintmark Rarity: The New Orleans (O) mint produced the fewest coins, making it the key date for the year.
3. Preservation: Well-preserved examples with minimal contact marks and strong luster are highly sought after.
4. Historical Significance: The transition from Seated Liberty to Barber design adds historical interest.
5. Die State: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or clashing can command premiums among specialists.
