Price Guide for 1949 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: $12.00 – $357.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $6,325.00
-
eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $1,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $36.00 – $575.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $2,115.00Uncirculated: $30.66 – $9,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $13.05 – $70.00Uncirculated: $21.50 – $9,375.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $57.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $1,400.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $600.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $29.00 – $11,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $21.50 – $49.00Uncirculated: $24.50 – $5,200.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $45,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $1,815.00Uncirculated: $19.59 – $3,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $5.52 – $111.50Uncirculated: $17.72 – $1,700.01
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $44.00Uncirculated: $48.00 – $1,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $260.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $31,725.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $46.67 – $1,902.70
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $18,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $14,950.00
-
eBayCirculated: $10.77 – $40.00Uncirculated: $12.50 – $849.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $38.00 – $11,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $61.00 – $99.88
-
eBayCirculated: $39.00 – $155.00Uncirculated: $29.00 – $365.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $49.00 – $62.00Uncirculated: $63.00 – $350.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $84.00 – $1,233.75
-
eBayUncirculated: $110.47 – $939.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $550.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $80.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $60.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $225.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $39.00 – $780.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $36.05 – $925.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $525.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $720.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,100.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99.00 – $223.25
-
eBayUncirculated: $290.00 – $885.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $204.00 – $710.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $94.00 – $1,625.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110.00 – $1,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1949 Half Dollar
The 1949 Franklin Half Dollar marked the second year of the Franklin Half Dollar series, which replaced the Walking Liberty design. This coin features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, symbolizing American independence and freedom. The Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963, making it a relatively short-lived series in U.S. coinage history.
| Weight | 12.50 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Walking Liberty, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Bald eagle perched on a rock, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1949 Franklin Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. While circulated examples are common, uncirculated specimens in grades MS63 and above command premium prices. Coins with full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse are particularly desirable and valuable.
The strike quality can vary, with some coins showing weakness in the central areas. Luster is an important factor, with coins displaying full, cartwheel luster being more valuable. Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding a premium among collectors.
Mintage: 5,614,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among collectors of 20th-century silver coins
Mintage: 4,120,600
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher demand than Philadelphia mint
Mintage: 3,744,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher demand than Philadelphia and Denver mints
While not considered a key date, the 1949 Franklin Half Dollar can still be valuable in high grades. Full Bell Lines (FBL) examples are particularly sought after, as they demonstrate superior strike quality. The San Francisco mint coins are slightly more valuable due to lower mintage.
Collectors should be aware of cleaned coins, which can significantly reduce value. Additionally, proof coins were not minted in 1949, making high-grade business strikes more desirable for type set collectors.
