1878 Half Dollar Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1878 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1878 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.

1878 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $16.00 - $1,955.00

  Uncirculated: $240.00 - $38,400.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $42.00 - $635.00

  Uncirculated: $420.00 - $3,706.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $55.00 - $675.00

  Uncirculated: $700.00 - $45,000.00

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1878-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $121.00 - $86,250.00

  Uncirculated: $24,200.00 - $199,750.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $25,000.00 - $135,000.00

  Uncirculated: $140,000.00 - $400,000.00

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1878 Half Dollar (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $288.00 - $3,290.00

  Uncirculated: $3.25 - $35,250.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $491.50 - $540.00

  Uncirculated: $713.00 - $2,300.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $650.00 - $850.00

  Uncirculated: $900.00 - $40,000.00

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1878 Half Dollar WB-101 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $180.00 - $1,410.00

  Uncirculated: $1,560.00 - $8,225.00

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1878-CC Half Dollar WB-1 Medium CC (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,088.40 - $28,800.00

  Uncirculated: $14,400.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $750.00 - $16,000.00

  Uncirculated: $17,500.00 - $60,000.00

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1878-S Half Dollar WB-1 Very Small S (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $24,000.00 - $82,250.00

  Uncirculated: $288,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $22,500.00 - $130,000.00

  Uncirculated: $135,000.00 - $350,000.00

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1878 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,087.00 - $6,900.00

  Uncirculated: $630.00 - $42,300.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $721.00 - $4,006.66
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $50,000.00

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1878 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $2,070.00 - $5,170.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $4,000.00 - $10,000.00

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1878-CC Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $231.00 - $11,280.00

  Uncirculated: $26.00 - $77,000.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $315.00 - $7,950.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $750.00 - $16,000.00

  Uncirculated: $17,500.00 - $65,000.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1878 Half Dollar

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1878 Half Dollars has a significant impact on their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are extremely rare and valuable. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are particularly sought after, with those grading MS65 or higher commanding substantial premiums.

Original mint luster and absence of wear on high points like Liberty's knee and the eagle's wings are crucial factors. Attractive, natural toning can also enhance the coin's desirability and value among collectors.

Mintmark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1878 Half Dollars. The San Francisco (S) mint coins are particularly valuable due to their extremely low mintage of just 12,000. Carson City (CC) issues are also highly prized for their low mintage and historical significance.

The historical context of 1878, being the last year of regular production for Seated Liberty Half Dollars, adds to the coin's appeal. Strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding higher premiums. Collectors also value originality and eye appeal, with problem-free coins in original, uncleaned condition being most desirable.