Price Guide for 1902 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: $17.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.18 – $605.00Uncirculated: $278.00 – $2,751.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $19,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.99 – $795.00Uncirculated: $1,675.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,325.00 – $26,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $4,113.00Uncirculated: $44.50 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $3,275.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,200.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00 – $5,800.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $636.00 – $1,580.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $863.00 – $48,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,850.00 – $57,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1902 Half Dollar
The 1902 Half Dollar is part of the Barber Half Dollar series, which was minted from 1892 to 1915. This coin design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, replaced the long-running Seated Liberty design. The Barber coinage, including dimes, quarters, and half dollars, was a response to public demand for a change in the nation’s silver coinage.
In 1902, the United States was in the midst of the Progressive Era, marked by social activism and political reform. The half dollar, with its substantial silver content, played a significant role in daily commerce during this period.
| 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 a 1902 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, particularly those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce to rare for all mint marks. The San Francisco issue is especially challenging to find in high grades.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full detail are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or abrasions are crucial for higher grades.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 4,922,000
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: 2,526,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,460,670
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Additional factors influencing the value of 1902 Half Dollars include:
1. Mint mark: San Francisco issues generally command a premium due to lower mintage.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can be more valuable.
4. Overall eye appeal: Subjective factors like attractiveness can significantly impact value among high-grade specimens.
While not considered a key date, the 1902-S Half Dollar is the scarcest of the year and is particularly valuable in high grades. Collectors should be cautious of cleaned or altered surfaces, as these can significantly decrease a coin’s value.
