Price Guide for 1896 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: $19.00 – $3,800.00Uncirculated: $230.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.25 – $1,131.96Uncirculated: $676.00 – $799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $31,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $12,650.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $123,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $2,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $10,750.00Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $140,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $3,681.00Uncirculated: $12.75 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.40 – $2,495.00Uncirculated: $2,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $67,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $450.00 – $4,230.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $785.00Uncirculated: $726.00 – $2,972.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $525.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,195.00 – $6,697.50Uncirculated: $863.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,626.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $26,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $863.00 – $24,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,650.00 – $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1896 Half Dollar
The 1896 Half Dollar represents one of the final years of the Liberty Seated design, which had been in use since 1839. This year is significant as it marks the end of an era in American coinage, with the Barber design set to replace it the following year. The Liberty Seated design, created by Christian Gobrecht, symbolized the nation’s ideals of liberty and freedom during a period of significant growth and change in the United States.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1896 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are highly sought after, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable. The strike quality can vary, particularly for New Orleans mint coins, which often have weaker strikes compared to San Francisco issues.
Luster is a crucial factor in determining value, with coins retaining original mint luster commanding premium prices. Natural toning, if attractive, can also enhance the coin’s desirability and value among collectors.
Mintage: 924,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its status as one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design
Mintage: 1,140,948
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1896 Half Dollars. As one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design, these coins are popular among collectors completing date sets or type collections. The relatively low mintages for both mints contribute to their scarcity and value.
Die state and die variety can also affect value, with some collectors seeking examples showing different stages of die wear or minor variations in the design. Additionally, the presence of any original mint bloom or prooflike surfaces can significantly increase a coin’s desirability and value, especially for the San Francisco mint issues.
