Price Guide for 1894 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: $45.00 – $2,500.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $46,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.50 – $985.00Uncirculated: $381.20 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $825.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $3,250.00Uncirculated: $8.75 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $655.00Uncirculated: $312.77 – $1,929.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $6.85 – $82,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.00 – $692.00Uncirculated: $280.09 – $1,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $97,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.00Uncirculated: $461.66 – $2,717.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $66,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,475.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,800.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $31,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,428.00 – $1,526.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00 – $4,888.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1894 Half Dollar
The 1894 Half Dollar is part of the Barber coinage series, which began in 1892 and continued until 1915. This series, featuring Liberty’s head on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, was designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. The year 1894 was notable for its low mintages across all denominations due to the economic depression following the Panic of 1893.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S |
| 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 1894 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after and command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1894 Half Dollars exhibit weakness in certain areas, particularly on the reverse. Coins with full, sharp strikes are more desirable. Original luster and attractive, natural toning can also enhance the value and appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 2,138,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,048,690
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1894 Half Dollars. The low mintages due to the economic depression make these coins more interesting to collectors and historians.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add value. Collectors may pay premiums for repunched mint marks or other minor die variations.
The overall scarcity of high-grade examples from both mints makes this year appealing to series collectors and type set builders looking for challenging acquisitions.
