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)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.75 - $2,820.00Uncirculated: $2.40 - $48,469.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.00 - $2,000.00Uncirculated: $587.50 - $5,245.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 - $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 - $135,000.00
1838-O Half Dollar, BM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,600.00 - $293,750.00Uncirculated: $93,500.00 - $763,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $192.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350,000.00 - $450,000.00Uncirculated: $650,000.00 - $800,000.00
1838 Half Dollar (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 - $456.00Uncirculated: $33,350.00 - $336,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $175.00 - $520.00Uncirculated: $398.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200,000.00 - $500,000.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-1 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 - $336.00Uncirculated: $960.00 - $44,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $280.01
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55,000.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-2 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 - $180.00Uncirculated: $2,400.00 - $13,832.40
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eBayCirculated: $600.00 - $625.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-3 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 - $1,920.00Uncirculated: $840.00 - $4,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $182.00 - $338.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-4 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 - $1,211.00Uncirculated: $17,625.00 - $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $131.50 - $661.50
1838 Half Dollar GR-5 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,602.00 - $5,400.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-6 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 - $720.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 - $11,456.25
1838 Half Dollar GR-7 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 - $432.00Uncirculated: $1,210.00
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eBayCirculated: $310.09Uncirculated: $2,286.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-8 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 - $1,020.00Uncirculated: $17,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $900.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-9 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00Uncirculated: $2,100.00 - $8,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $204.50 - $721.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 - $1,395.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-10 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 - $528.00Uncirculated: $1,020.00 - $1,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $275.05
1838 Half Dollar GR-11 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $169.20 - $1,140.00Uncirculated: $2,160.00 - $3,720.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-12 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 - $504.00Uncirculated: $1,762.50 - $9,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $114.75 - $375.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-13 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 - $840.00Uncirculated: $900.00 - $5,160.00
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eBayCirculated: $300.00 - $600.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-14 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00
1838 Half Dollar GR-15 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 - $720.00Uncirculated: $1,110.00 - $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $172.50
1838 Half Dollar GR-16 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 - $384.00Uncirculated: $3,360.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00
Design and Specifications of the 1838 Half Dollar
The 1838 Half Dollar marks the first year of the Seated Liberty design for this denomination. This new design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, replaced the Capped Bust design and would continue until 1891. The year 1838 is significant as it represents a transitional period in U.S. coinage, with the Seated Liberty design being implemented across various silver denominations.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle, designed by John Reich (modified by Christian Gobrecht) |
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.
Mintage: 3,546,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Stars, Small Stars
Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue and historical significance
Mintage: 69,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
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.
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