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)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 - $960.00Uncirculated: $104.00 - $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $40.00 - $685.00Uncirculated: $437.10 - $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 - $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 - $17,500.00
1856-O Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 - $1,200.00Uncirculated: $2.10 - $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.01 - $712.49Uncirculated: $385.69 - $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 - $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 - $9,000.00
1856 Half Dollar (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,080.00 - $6,555.00Uncirculated: $3,910.00 - $37,375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $105.82
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 - $25,000.00
1856-O Half Dollar WB-9 Large O RPD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 - $676.00Uncirculated: $1,080.00 - $22,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $725.00
1856 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $28,500.00 - $43,000.00Uncirculated: $4,887.50 - $28,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 - $60,000.00
1856-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.50 - $5,606.00Uncirculated: $587.00 - $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 - $2,576.00Uncirculated: $1,311.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 - $6,000.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 - $35,000.00
1856 Half Dollar WB-2 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 - $456.00Uncirculated: $2,160.00 - $4,700.00
1856 Half Dollar WB-6 Repunched 1 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $190.00 - $372.00
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eBayCirculated: $227.00
1856 Half Dollar WB-1 Spiked 1 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,230.00
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eBayCirculated: $255.00
1856-O Half Dollar WB-1 Large O (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $763.75 - $3,720.00
1856-O Half Dollar WB-14 Large O RPD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $229.13 - $1,200.00Uncirculated: $1,080.00 - $3,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $73.00 - $295.00
1856-O Half Dollar WB-5 Large O RPD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $840.00 - $1,997.50
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eBayCirculated: $854.99
1856-S Half Dollar WB-1 Large S (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $998.75 - $2,590.88Uncirculated: $18,800.00
1856-S Half Dollar WB-2 Large S (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,080.00 - $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,750.00
1856-S Half Dollar WB-5 Large S (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00
1856-S Half Dollar WB-6 Large S (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,120.00
Design and Specifications of the 1856 Half Dollar
The 1856 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from previous coin designs and became iconic in American numismatics. 1856 was a year of economic prosperity, with the country experiencing growth and expansion westward.
| Weight | 13.36 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, P (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle with shield, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
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.
Mintage: 938,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,658,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
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.
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