Price Guide for 1870 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1870 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.

1870 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2.50 - $1,080.00
    Uncirculated: $146.00 - $29,375.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $31.00 - $515.99
    Uncirculated: $203.51 - $740.95
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $55.00 - $950.00
    Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $35,000.00

1870-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2.00 - $5,280.00
    Uncirculated: $880.00 - $90,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $50.00 - $721.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $55.00 - $2,750.00
    Uncirculated: $3,000.00 - $100,000.00

1870 Half Dollar (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $259.00 - $1,725.00
    Uncirculated: $3.85 - $21,150.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $203.19 - $1,000.00
    Uncirculated: $365.00 - $4,929.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $500.00 - $850.00
    Uncirculated: $900.00 - $12,500.00

1870 Half Dollar WB-1 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $204.00 - $288.00
    Uncirculated: $312.00 - $9,987.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $227.50

1870 Half Dollar WB-3 RPD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,320.00
    Uncirculated: $930.00 - $2,190.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1,030.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1,600.00

1870-CC Half Dollar WB-1 Large CC (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,320.00 - $24,028.80

1870-S Half Dollar WB-1 Date Left Very Sm S (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,055.00 - $26,400.00

1870-S Half Dollar WB-2, Date Right Very Sm S (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $246.75 - $336.00

1870 Half Dollar WB-7 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $12,000.00

1870 Half Dollar WB-9 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $432.00

1870-CC Half Dollar WB-2 Large CC (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2,100.00 - $4,800.00
    Uncirculated: $72,000.00

1870-CC Half Dollar WB-3 Large CC (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $26,400.00
    Uncirculated: $102,000.00

1870-CC Half Dollar WB-4 Large CC (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $11,400.00

1870-CC Half Dollar WB-5 Large CC (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2,400.00

1870 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $750.00 - $5,522.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $9,000.00

1870-CC Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $15.75 - $71,875.00
    Uncirculated: $39,600.00 - $172,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $1,025.01 - $15,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1,000.00 - $85,000.00
    Uncirculated: $100,000.00 - $400,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1870 Half Dollar

The 1870 Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a significant coin in American numismatic history. It was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War. This year is particularly notable as it marks the first year of production for the Carson City Mint, adding a new and highly collectible mint mark to the series.

The Seated Liberty design, which had been in use since 1839, was nearing the end of its run, making coins from this period increasingly interesting to collectors. The 1870 issue bridges the gap between the post-Civil War era and the upcoming changes in American coinage that would occur in the following decades.

Weight 12.44 grams
Diameter 30.6 mm
Mint Marks S, CC
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 1870 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in circulated grades are relatively available, but specimens in Mint State are scarce to rare. The Carson City issues, in particular, are highly prized in all grades due to their low mintage and historical significance.

Strike quality can vary, especially on San Francisco and Carson City issues. Well-struck coins with full detail on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers command premiums. Original luster is highly desirable, and coins with attractive, natural toning can see increased demand among collectors.

Philadelphia (no mint mark)

Mintage: 608,000

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens

San Francisco (S)

Mintage: 1,004,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition

Carson City (CC)

Mintage: 54,617

Rarity Scale: Rare

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

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

Mintmark rarity plays a crucial role in valuation. The Carson City (CC) mint mark is the most valuable due to its low mintage and being the first year of production for this mint. Die varieties, while not numerous for this year, can add value if identified.

The historical significance of the Carson City Mint's first year of operation makes the CC mint mark especially desirable to collectors of Western American history. Additionally, any proofs from this year, which were struck at Philadelphia, are extremely rare and valuable, with only a few hundred produced.

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