Price Guide for 1901 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: $13.00 – $3,500.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $590.00Uncirculated: $460.00 – $2,595.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $2,761.25Uncirculated: $3.65 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $305.00Uncirculated: $425.00 – $4,850.83
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $13,200.00Uncirculated: $33.75 – $86,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.00 – $2,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $5,500.00Uncirculated: $5,750.00 – $62,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $9,000.00Uncirculated: $12.75 – $66,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $1,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,500.00Uncirculated: $969.00 – $43,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,438.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1901 Half Dollar
The 1901 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 industrialization in the United States, reflecting the nation’s prosperity at the turn of the century.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head (Barber design), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1901 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated conditions (Good to Very Fine) are relatively common and affordable. However, specimens in About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) grades become increasingly scarce and valuable.
For Philadelphia and New Orleans mints, coins in MS65 or higher are quite rare and command substantial premiums. The San Francisco issue is particularly valuable in high grades, with MS65+ examples being extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 6,960,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,124,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 847,044
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
Strike quality is an important factor for Barber Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, are more desirable. Original luster is highly prized, particularly for uncirculated specimens.
Toning can significantly affect value. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums, while those with unsightly or artificial toning may be less desirable. The 1901-S Half Dollar, being the key date of this year, is particularly valuable in all grades, with premium prices for high-grade examples.
