1851 Half Dollar Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1851 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1851 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.

1851 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $5.75 - $4,800.00

  Uncirculated: $18.00 - $58,750.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $1,055.00 - $2,250.00

  Uncirculated: $5,880.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $850.00 - $4,250.00

  Uncirculated: $4,500.00 - $75,000.00

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1851-O Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $3.00 - $2,115.00

  Uncirculated: $2.85 - $41,125.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $158.51 - $1,146.97

  Uncirculated: $1,815.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $75.00 - $1,600.00

  Uncirculated: $1,750.00 - $40,000.00

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1851 Half Dollar WB-1 Repunched 2nd 1 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,351.25 - $2,640.00

  Uncirculated: $1,440.00 - $3,360.00

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1851 Half Dollar WB-4 RPD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,762.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $248.00

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1851 Half Dollar WB-2 Repunched 2nd 1 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,704.93 - $3,172.50

  Uncirculated: $3,480.00 - $3,600.00

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1851 Half Dollar WB-8 MPD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,560.00 - $2,760.00

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1851-O Half Dollar WB-1 Large O (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $910.63

  Uncirculated: $1,320.00 - $7,637.50

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1851-O Half Dollar WB-4 Large O (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $660.00 - $840.00

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1851-O Half Dollar WB-5 Large O (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $432.00 - $840.00

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1851 Half Dollar WB-5 RPD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $2,280.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $4,000.00

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1851 Half Dollar WB-6 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $2,280.00

  Uncirculated: $3,360.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1851 Half Dollar

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1851 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Due to the age and circulation of these coins, finding high-grade specimens is challenging. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.

For circulated coins, the amount of detail remaining on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers is crucial. Coins with clear, sharp details and minimal wear command higher premiums. The presence of original luster can also greatly enhance the coin's desirability and value.

Strike quality is an important factor for 1851 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable than weakly struck examples. The New Orleans mint is known for producing coins with weaker strikes, making well-struck O-mint coins particularly desirable.

Toning can also affect value. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often preferred by collectors over those with no toning or artificial color. However, original, untoned surfaces can also be highly prized if they show good luster.

As with many coins from this era, the historical context of the California Gold Rush adds to the appeal and value of 1851 Half Dollars, particularly for collectors interested in this period of American history.