Price Guide for 1903 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: $15.00 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $18,212.50
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eBayCirculated: $20.00 – $895.00Uncirculated: $695.00 – $3,259.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $47,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.10 – $975.00Uncirculated: $766.00 – $6,333.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $20.00 – $3,100.00Uncirculated: $16.75 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $625.10 – $3,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $3,500.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $612.00 – $4,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $340.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,323.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,699.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,850.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1903 Half Dollar
The 1903 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 significant part of American circulation currency during the turn of the 20th century.
| 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 1903 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are considerably more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks are crucial for high-grade specimens.
For the New Orleans and San Francisco issues, well-struck examples with full details are particularly desirable, as these mints often produced coins with weaker strikes compared to Philadelphia.
Mintage: 2,278,755
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, typical for the series
Mintage: 1,184,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and mint mark
Mintage: 1,920,772
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially in higher grades
Toning can play a significant role in the value of 1903 Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The New Orleans (O) mint mark tends to be more valuable due to its lower mintage and the general collector preference for branch mint issues.
For all mint locations, examples with strong, fully struck details, especially on the eagle’s wings and Liberty’s hair, are highly sought after. The presence of prooflike surfaces on business strikes can also add to the coin’s desirability and value.
