1856 Half Dollar Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1856 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1856 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.

1856 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $2.10 - $960.00

  Uncirculated: $104.00 - $16,450.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $40.00 - $685.00

  Uncirculated: $437.10 - $3,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $45.00 - $800.00

  Uncirculated: $850.00 - $17,500.00

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1856-O Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $2.00 - $1,200.00

  Uncirculated: $2.10 - $10,575.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $25.00 - $712.49

  Uncirculated: $385.69 - $2,800.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $45.00 - $800.00

  Uncirculated: $850.00 - $9,000.00

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1856 Half Dollar (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $3,080.00 - $6,555.00

  Uncirculated: $3,910.00 - $37,375.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $105.82
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $4,000.00 - $25,000.00

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1856-O Half Dollar WB-9 Large O RPD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $99.00 - $676.00

  Uncirculated: $1,080.00 - $22,325.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $725.00

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1856 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $28,500.00 - $43,000.00

  Uncirculated: $4,887.50 - $28,200.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $10,000.00 - $60,000.00

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1856-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $13.50 - $5,606.00

  Uncirculated: $587.00 - $32,900.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $100.00 - $2,576.00

  Uncirculated: $1,311.30
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $125.00 - $6,000.00

  Uncirculated: $6,500.00 - $35,000.00

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1856 Half Dollar WB-2 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $144.00 - $456.00

  Uncirculated: $2,160.00 - $4,700.00

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1856 Half Dollar WB-6 Repunched 1 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $190.00 - $372.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $227.00

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1856 Half Dollar WB-1 Spiked 1 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $4,230.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $255.00

  Uncirculated: $366.93

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1856-O Half Dollar WB-1 Large O (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $763.75 - $3,720.00

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1856-O Half Dollar WB-14 Large O RPD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $229.13 - $1,200.00

  Uncirculated: $1,080.00 - $3,600.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $73.00 - $295.00

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1856-O Half Dollar WB-5 Large O RPD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $840.00 - $1,997.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $854.99

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1856-S Half Dollar WB-1 Large S (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $998.75 - $2,590.88

  Uncirculated: $18,800.00

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1856-S Half Dollar WB-2 Large S (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,080.00 - $1,200.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1,750.00

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1856-S Half Dollar WB-5 Large S (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $384.00

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1856-S Half Dollar WB-6 Large S (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $3,120.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1856 Half Dollar

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1856 Half Dollars. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are significantly rarer and more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of original luster and absence of major contact marks or wear on high points like Liberty's knee and breast are key factors in grading.

For the New Orleans mint coins, strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding a premium. Attractive natural toning can also enhance the value, particularly for collectors seeking eye appeal.

Die state and strike quality can impact the value of 1856 Half Dollars. Late die state examples may show interesting characteristics like die cracks or clashing, which can appeal to variety collectors. The New Orleans mintage, while higher, often suffers from weaker strikes, making well-struck examples more desirable.

Historical significance adds to the coin's appeal, as it represents a period of American expansion and economic growth. Provenance, especially if the coin can be traced to a notable collection, can also increase its value and desirability among serious collectors.