1838 Half Dollar Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1838 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1838 Half Dollar 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.

1838 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1.75 - $2,820.00

  Uncirculated: $2.40 - $48,469.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $34.00 - $2,000.00

  Uncirculated: $587.50 - $5,245.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $60.00 - $1,350.00

  Uncirculated: $1,500.00 - $135,000.00

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1838-O Half Dollar, BM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,600.00 - $293,750.00

  Uncirculated: $93,500.00 - $763,750.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $192.50
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $350,000.00 - $450,000.00

  Uncirculated: $650,000.00 - $800,000.00

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1838 Half Dollar (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $144.00 - $456.00

  Uncirculated: $33,350.00 - $336,000.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $175.00 - $520.00

  Uncirculated: $398.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $200,000.00 - $500,000.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-1 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $115.00 - $336.00

  Uncirculated: $960.00 - $44,650.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $280.01
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $55,000.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-2 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $168.00 - $180.00

  Uncirculated: $2,400.00 - $13,832.40
• eBay

  Circulated: $600.00 - $625.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-3 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $204.00 - $1,920.00

  Uncirculated: $840.00 - $4,560.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $182.00 - $338.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-4 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $204.00 - $1,211.00

  Uncirculated: $17,625.00 - $24,675.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $131.50 - $661.50

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1838 Half Dollar GR-5 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $4,602.00 - $5,400.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-6 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $240.00 - $720.00

  Uncirculated: $1,920.00 - $11,456.25

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1838 Half Dollar GR-7 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $240.00 - $432.00

  Uncirculated: $1,210.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $310.09

  Uncirculated: $2,286.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-8 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $192.00 - $1,020.00

  Uncirculated: $17,400.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $900.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-9 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $840.00

  Uncirculated: $2,100.00 - $8,400.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $204.50 - $721.00

  Uncirculated: $1,200.00 - $1,395.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-10 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $336.00 - $528.00

  Uncirculated: $1,020.00 - $1,080.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $275.05

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1838 Half Dollar GR-11 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $169.20 - $1,140.00

  Uncirculated: $2,160.00 - $3,720.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-12 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $312.00 - $504.00

  Uncirculated: $1,762.50 - $9,600.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $114.75 - $375.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-13 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $204.00 - $840.00

  Uncirculated: $900.00 - $5,160.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $300.00 - $600.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-14 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $288.00

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1838 Half Dollar GR-15 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $70.00 - $720.00

  Uncirculated: $1,110.00 - $6,462.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $172.50

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1838 Half Dollar GR-16 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $192.00 - $384.00

  Uncirculated: $3,360.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $550.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1838 Half Dollar

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1838 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare, particularly for the New Orleans issue. Even in circulated grades, well-preserved coins with minimal wear and good eye appeal command strong premiums.

For Philadelphia issues, the Large Stars and Small Stars varieties add complexity to grading and valuation. The New Orleans coins, being a key date, are valuable in all grades but become exponentially more valuable in higher grades.

Strike quality is crucial for these early Seated Liberty Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers are highly prized. Original luster, when present, significantly enhances value.

For the New Orleans issue, the presence of a strong, clear mint mark is important, as weak strikes are common. Natural toning can add to the appeal and value, especially if it's attractive and even across the coin's surface.

As the first year of the Seated Liberty design and the first year of the New Orleans Mint, these coins hold special historical significance, which adds to their numismatic value beyond mere rarity.