Price Guide for 1908 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $3,600.00Uncirculated: $299.00 – $21,150.00
-
eBayCirculated: $10.56 – $460.00Uncirculated: $349.00 – $2,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $30,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $1,939.00Uncirculated: $2.40 – $32,900.00
-
eBayCirculated: $6.75 – $799.99Uncirculated: $420.00 – $2,390.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $57,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $3,000.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $21,850.00
-
eBayCirculated: $13.15 – $799.00Uncirculated: $317.00 – $2,420.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $55,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $3,200.00Uncirculated: $9.25 – $33,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $21.01 – $1,995.00Uncirculated: $3,195.00 – $3,750.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $42,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00 – $4,112.50Uncirculated: $4.00 – $10,350.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $567.00 – $1,356.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $340.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $665.00 – $13,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $990.00 – $7,763.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $810.01 – $915.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1908 Half Dollar
The 1908 Half Dollar, also known as the Barber Half Dollar, was part of a series of silver coins designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. This coin was minted during the final years of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, a period marked by significant economic growth and industrial expansion in the United States.
The Barber design, introduced in 1892, was nearing the end of its run by 1908, with growing public desire for a new design. Despite this, the coin remained an important part of circulation and commerce in early 20th century America.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, D, 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 1908 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but specimens in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are scarce and highly sought after. The coin’s large size made it prone to wear and contact marks, making high-grade examples particularly valuable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium, especially on uncirculated coins.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other imperfections command higher prices.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, particularly for collectors seeking aesthetically pleasing examples.
Mintage: 1,354,000
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: 5,360,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,280,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,644,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Several factors can influence the value of a 1908 Half Dollar beyond its condition:
1. Mint mark: While not a key date, the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and San Francisco (S) issues had lower mintages, potentially commanding slight premiums.
2. Historical significance: As part of the Barber series and minted during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, these coins hold historical interest.
3. Silver content: The coin’s 90% silver composition gives it intrinsic value beyond its numismatic worth.
4. Collection trends: Growing interest in complete date and mint mark sets of Barber Half Dollars can drive demand for specific issues.
5. Certification: Third-party grading can significantly impact value, especially for high-grade specimens.
While no major varieties or errors are known for the 1908 Half Dollar, any discovered could potentially command a premium among specialized collectors.
