Price Guide for 1887 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1887 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.

1887 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $260.00 - $4,080.00
    Uncirculated: $5.50 - $27,025.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $120.28 - $1,550.00
    Uncirculated: $34.00 - $1,645.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $450.00 - $1,950.00
    Uncirculated: $2,000.00 - $30,000.00

1887 Half Dollar (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $480.00 - $3,290.00
    Uncirculated: $5.25 - $17,037.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $560.95 - $4,095.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $200.00 - $850.00
    Uncirculated: $900.00 - $40,000.00

1887 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $6,051.25
    Uncirculated: $3,760.00 - $29,375.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,250.00 - $52,500.00

1887 Half Dollar, PL (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,700.00 - $6,168.75
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3,000.00 - $5,000.00

1887 Half Dollar WB-101 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $480.00 - $1,292.50
    Uncirculated: $1,292.50 - $19,975.00

1887 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $5,581.25
    Uncirculated: $810.00 - $7,475.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1,465.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $13,500.00

1887 Half Dollar WB-101, PL (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,400.00

Design and Specifications of the 1887 Half Dollar

The 1887 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 earlier coin designs and became iconic in American numismatics. The year 1887 saw production at three mints, reflecting the economic growth and westward expansion of the late 19th century United States.

Weight 12.5 grams
Diameter 30.6 mm
Mint Marks New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S)
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 1887 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, particularly for the rare Philadelphia issue. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums. For the New Orleans and San Francisco issues, well-preserved examples with strong strikes and minimal bag marks are highly sought after.

The presence of original mint luster and absence of cleaning or other damage are crucial factors. Toning can add to the coin's appeal, with attractive, natural toning often increasing desirability among collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 5,000

Rarity Scale: Very Rare

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant reported

Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status

New Orleans, O

Mintage: 3,216,000

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant reported

Market Demand: Moderate, common date but popular series

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 1,272,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant reported

Market Demand: Moderate to High, less common than New Orleans mint

Rarity and historical significance play major roles in the valuation of 1887 Half Dollars. The Philadelphia issue, with its extremely low mintage, is a key date and highly prized by collectors. For all mints, prooflike surfaces on business strikes can significantly increase value.

The overall popularity of the Seated Liberty series among collectors contributes to sustained demand. Additionally, the high silver content provides an intrinsic value base, which can affect prices, especially for lower-grade examples.

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