Price Guide for 1897 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: $17.01 – $881.25Uncirculated: $161.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $727.00Uncirculated: $260.77 – $3,824.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $219.00 – $1,763.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $30,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $722.00 – $3,049.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $665.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $14,950.00Uncirculated: $8.40 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.50 – $1,895.00Uncirculated: $3,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $3,150.00Uncirculated: $3,600.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $14,950.00Uncirculated: $15.75 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.37 – $2,850.00Uncirculated: $2,488.00 – $4,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $3,250.00Uncirculated: $3,350.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,200.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $646.25 – $17,037.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1,030.20 – $1,728.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,800.00Uncirculated: $2,185.00 – $80,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1897 Half Dollar
The 1897 Half Dollar is part of the Barber coinage series, which was introduced in 1892 and continued until 1915. This series, designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber Half Dollar was minted during a period of economic growth and industrial expansion in the United States, reflecting the nation’s increasing prosperity and global influence.
| 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 1897 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Many examples have been heavily circulated, making high-grade specimens particularly valuable. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are scarce, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or abrasions increase desirability.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 2,480,000
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: 632,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 933,900
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 high-grade specimens
Mintmark rarity plays a crucial role in determining value, with the New Orleans (O) mint issues being particularly desirable due to their lower mintage. The San Francisco (S) mint coins are also scarce and highly valued in higher grades.
Collectors often seek to complete date and mintmark sets of Barber Half Dollars, which can increase demand for specific issues. The 1897-O is considered a semi-key date in the series, commanding a premium, especially in higher grades.
Historical significance and the coin’s representation of late 19th-century American coinage add to its appeal among numismatists and history enthusiasts.
