Price Guide for 1865 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1865 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.

1865-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1.30 - $2,350.00
    Uncirculated: $12.00 - $92,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $51.00 - $1,175.00
    Uncirculated: $2,450.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $50.00 - $2,750.00
    Uncirculated: $3,000.00 - $55,000.00

1865 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $51.00 - $1,980.00
    Uncirculated: $506.00 - $41,125.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $40.99 - $1,899.00
    Uncirculated: $813.10
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $60.00 - $2,600.00
    Uncirculated: $2,750.00 - $50,000.00

1865 Half Dollar WB-2 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $312.00 - $1,410.00
    Uncirculated: $1,440.00 - $32,900.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $657.66
    Uncirculated: $228.50

1865 Half Dollar WB-8 RPD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $264.00 - $1,140.00
    Uncirculated: $3,360.00 - $8,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,750.00 - $17,500.00

1865-S Half Dollar WB-1 Small Wide Broken S (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $360.00 - $810.00
    Uncirculated: $1,762.50 - $14,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $12,500.00

1865-S Half Dollar WB-2 Small Thin S Recut 1&5 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $264.00 - $1,320.00

1865-S Half Dollar WB-9 Small Thin S Recut 1 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $204.00 - $384.00

1865 Half Dollar (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $528.00 - $900.00
    Uncirculated: $4.75 - $36,800.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1,530.00 - $2,908.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $700.00 - $900.00
    Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $35,000.00

1865-S Half Dollar WB-6 Small Thin S (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,140.00

1865 Half Dollar WB-1, FS-301 RPD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $252.00 - $960.00
    Uncirculated: $2,820.00 - $3,172.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $348.00 - $650.00

1865-S Half Dollar WB-8 Small Thin S (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $384.00
    Uncirculated: $9,600.00

1865-S Half Dollar WB-7 Small Thin S Recut 1 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $105.00

1865 Half Dollar WB-4 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,880.00

1865 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $4,887.50 - $21,150.00
    Uncirculated: $748.00 - $35,250.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2,466.00 - $3,795.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,750.00 - $35,000.00

1865 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6,000.00 - $117,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $7,500.00 - $135,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1865 Half Dollar

The 1865 Half Dollar was minted during the final year of the American Civil War. This Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1839 and would continue until 1891. The coin's production reflects the economic challenges of the post-war era and the ongoing transition from a wartime to peacetime economy.

Weight 12.44 grams
Diameter 30.6 mm
Mint Marks P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco)
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

The condition of 1865 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are extremely rare. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable.

Original luster and minimal contact marks are crucial factors in determining grade and value. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples being more desirable. Attractive toning can also enhance the coin's appeal and value to collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 511,400

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and low mintage

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 675,000

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

Several factors contribute to the value of 1865 Half Dollars:

1. Historical significance: Minted in the final year of the Civil War, these coins hold special interest for collectors of American history.

2. Low mintage: Both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues have relatively low mintages, increasing their scarcity.

3. Survival rate: Many coins from this era were melted or heavily circulated, making well-preserved specimens rare.

4. Date and mint mark clarity: Coins with clear, well-defined date and mint marks (for San Francisco issues) are more valuable.

5. Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting characteristics can command a premium among specialized collectors.

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