Price Guide for 1864 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1864 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.
1864 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $39.00 - $1,920.00Uncirculated: $414.00 - $48,875.00
-
eBayCirculated: $71.20 - $3,853.54Uncirculated: $588.00 - $2,551.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 - $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 - $50,000.00
1864-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 - $3,840.00Uncirculated: $431.00 - $74,750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $49.00 - $1,099.00Uncirculated: $888.30
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 - $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 - $30,000.00
1864-S Half Dollar WB-1 Large S (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 - $940.00
1864-S Half Dollar WB-2 Small Wide S (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 - $1,645.00
1864-S Half Dollar WB-3 Small Wide Broken S (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 - $1,080.00Uncirculated: $1,292.50
1864-S Half Dollar WB-5 Small Thin S (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 - $1,440.00
1864 Half Dollar (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $242.00 - $2,530.00Uncirculated: $4.90 - $14,300.00
-
eBayCirculated: $825.00Uncirculated: $1,499.00 - $4,725.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 - $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $35,000.00
1864 Half Dollar WB-7 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,080.00
1864 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,586.25 - $3,500.00Uncirculated: $750.00 - $19,550.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,350.00 - $2,026.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 - $35,000.00
1864 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,025.00 - $52,875.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00 - $40,000.00
1864 Half Dollar WB-Unlisted Obverse 6 (Regular Strike)
-
eBayCirculated: $22.55Uncirculated: $204.57 - $441.00
1864 Half Dollar WB-2, Very Low Date (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00 - $480.00Uncirculated: $1,320.00 - $44,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $12.50 - $902.00Uncirculated: $291.87 - $2,063.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 - $1,000.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 - $47,500.00
1864 Half Dollar WB-1 RPD (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $646.25Uncirculated: $10,575.00 - $12,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 - $17,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1864 Half Dollar
The 1864 Half Dollar was minted during the height of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891. The coin's production was significantly affected by the ongoing conflict, resulting in lower mintages compared to peacetime years.
The silver content of these coins made them valuable for hoarding during the uncertain times of the Civil War, which impacted their circulation and survival rates.
| Weight | 12.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1864 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value due to their scarcity and historical importance. Uncirculated examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Even in lower grades, well-preserved coins with good eye appeal command strong premiums.
Factors such as strike quality, which can vary due to wartime production issues, and original luster play crucial roles in determining a coin's desirability and value. Natural toning, if present, can also enhance a coin's appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 379,100
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 658,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
The Civil War context adds significant historical value to 1864 Half Dollars. Coins with provenance linking them to Civil War events or personalities can command substantial premiums.
The San Francisco mint mark is generally more desirable due to its lower mintage and the coin's importance in Western commerce during the Civil War era. Additionally, any die varieties or errors, while not common for this year, could significantly increase a coin's value if discovered.
Lastly, the survival rate of these coins in high grades is extremely low, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable to collectors and investors focusing on Civil War era coinage.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge
Coin Value Checker
Free US coin value lookup with real-world market prices
Coin Analysis Tool
Identify, value, grade, and authenticate your coins instantly
Auction Records Tool
Access comprehensive US coin auction data
Quarter & Penny Value Guides
Find detailed value guides for both modern and classic quarters and pennies
2024 Quarter Values
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2022 Quarter Value Guide
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2023 Quarter Values
Complete Value Guide & Price Chart
Post-2000 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Modern Quarters
Post-1965 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Quarters Guide
60s & 70s Penny Values
Top 50 Most Valuable Finds
Error Coin Guides
Discover comprehensive guides about rare minting errors and valuable mistakes
2024 Quarter Error Guide
In Cod We Trust, Doubled Dies & Values
2023 Quarter Error Guide
Die Breaks, Cuds, and Rare Minting Errors
2022 Quarter Error Analysis
Die Breaks, Cuds & Clash Marks
2021 P&D Quarter Errors
Crown Die Chip, Crossing Delaware Errors
Bessie Coleman Quarter Errors
IN COD WE TRUST, Die Chip Values
Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Wrong Planchet, Off-Center & Die Cracks
Essential Coin Collecting Guides
Access comprehensive resources for identifying, grading, and selling your coins
Coin Designation Guide
Comprehensive Guide To Grading, Errors, Mint Marks, And Certification Terms
Selling Coins Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Selling Coins: Maximizing Your Returns
Key Date U.S. Coins
A Chronological Checklist for Collectors
Coin Value Guide
Expert Methods to Identify, Grade, and Sell Your Numismatic Treasures
U.S. Mint Marks Guide
Complete History of American Coin Mint Marks (1793-Present)
Coin Condition & Grading
Ultimate Guide: Sheldon Scale Explained with Photos
US Coin Specifications
Explore detailed physical characteristics and specifications for all US coin denominations
US Coin Weight Guide
Complete US Coin Weight Guide: Measure Penny, Quarter, Nickel & Dime Weight in Grams
US Coin Metal Composition
What Are Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars & Dollars Made Of
US Coin Size Guide
Complete Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Diameter Chart
US Coin Thickness Chart
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Dimensions
Who is on US Coins?
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Portraits
Complete Specifications
Comprehensive guide to all US coin measurements and specifications
