As of May, 2024, a 1838 Half Dollar in uncirculated specimen can be valued between $200,000.00 and $500,000.00, depending on its grade and strike quality.

Looking back at auction records, the highest price was achieved by a Mint State grade that was hammered at $336,000.00 in the 08/19/2018 by renowned auctioneer Heritage Auctions, showcasing the allure of top-tier rarities.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Edge: Reeded
Diameter: 30.00 millimeters
Weight: 13.36 grams
Mintage: 5
Mint: Philadelphia
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Series: Capped Bust Half Dollars 1817-1839

1838 Half Dollar (Proof) – Price Chart

If you are aware of your coin’s grade, refer to the following chart to determine its value:

GradePrice($)
MS-66+500,000.00
MS-66400,000.00
MS-65+350,000.00
MS-65300,000.00
MS-64+225,000.00
MS-64200,000.00

If you are unsure of the grade, you can assess it based on the coin’s condition. More detailed information here.

GradeLowest Price($)Highest Price($)Average Price($)
Mint State200,000.00500,000.00329,166.67

Please note that the estimated values are derived from the latest data in the PCGS Price Guide and are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. We strongly recommend reviewing actual auction records, which can be filtered by grade. For further insights, refer to our analysis report, which is based on these data.

Also, there are multiple versions of the 1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. We recommend checking the values of these coins as well to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

Coin NameMin Circulated Price($)Max Circulated Price($)Min Uncirculated Price($)Max Uncirculated Price($)
1838-O Half Dollar, BM (Proof)350,000.00450,000.00650,000.00800,000.00
1838 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)60.001,350.001,500.00135,000.00

Coins listed have various mint marks and designations indicating where they were minted and if they are special strikes. To learn more about what the different mint marks and designations mean, please refer to our Mint Mark Chart and Coin Designation Reference Chart.

1838 Half Dollar (Proof) – Auction Chart & Report

This tool is very user-friendly. Simply select the coin grade, and our system will provide detailed information including:

  • Lowest Sale Price
  • Highest Sale Price
  • Average Sale Price
  • Most Recent Sale Price
  • Number of Sales
  • Sales Volume

You can also select different time periods for your query: 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or All time, with the default set to All time.

Grade:
1m 6m 1y 3y All

$33,350.00

Lowest Sale Price
$129,250.00

Highest Sale Price
$85,533.33

Average Sale Price
$129,250.00

Most Recent Sale Price
3

Number of Sales
$256,600.00

Sales Volume

Grade Impact Analysis

GradeLowest Price($)Highest Price($)Average Price($)
MS-66+199,750.00336,000.00267,875.00
MS-6697,750.00161,000.00129,375.00
MS-6593,500.0093,500.0093,500.00
MS-6433,350.00129,250.0085,533.33
AU-50456.00456.00456.00
XF-40144.00144.00144.00

The chart shows the min and max prices for the 1838 Half Dollar (Proof) coin across various grades from XF-40 to MS-66+. The prices generally increase as the grade improves, with MS-66+ having the highest max price $336,000.00.

Within each grade, there is also variability in prices, likely due to factors like specific coin characteristics or market conditions at time of sale. Overall, the chart illustrates how coin grade is a key driver of value for this particular 1838 Half Dollar (Proof).

Auction House Comparison

The pie chart breaks down the market share of various auction houses for selling the 1838 Half Dollar (Proof) coin. Heritage Auctions dominates with 40.00% share, followed by Stack's Bowers / Bowers & Merena with 30.00% / 20.00% appearances respectively..

Price Trend Over Time

The graph presents a detailed analysis of the average annual auction sale price and frequency for the 1838 Half Dollar (Proof) coin over the years. This visual representation traces the coin's value fluctuations, illustrating periods of increase, decrease, or stability in its average auction price.

Such a historical view is indispensable for collectors, investors, or researchers who are keen on comprehending the market dynamics and the coin's value trend over an extended period.

Raw Auction Records

Here are the lasted auction records from the auction history of the past years. You can filter these records by coin grade.

GradeGrade SourceSellerPrice($)Sold Date
AU-50NGCStack's Bowers456.0001/12/2022
XF-40NGCStack's Bowers144.0008/31/2021
MS-66+PCGSHeritage Auctions336,000.0008/19/2018
MS-66+PCGSStack's Bowers199,750.0005/24/2016
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions129,250.0004/23/2014
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions94,000.0009/25/2013
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions161,000.0001/01/2007
MS-66PCGSBowers & Merena97,750.0007/31/2002
MS-64NGCBowers & Merena33,350.0008/09/1999
MS-65NONEDavid Akers93,500.0005/01/1998