Price Guide for 1890 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1890 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.
1890 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 - $1,260.00Uncirculated: $4.25 - $120,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.05 - $1,085.01Uncirculated: $961.00 - $3,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 - $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,650.00 - $175,000.00
1890 Half Dollar (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $437.00 - $5,000.00Uncirculated: $5.00 - $19,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $525.00 - $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 - $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 - $40,000.00
1890 Half Dollar, PL (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,112.50 - $7,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $537.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 - $9,000.00
1890 Half Dollar WB-101 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $750.00 - $960.00Uncirculated: $960.00 - $13,800.00
1890 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,500.00 - $7,755.00Uncirculated: $719.00 - $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $985.00Uncirculated: $725.00 - $7,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 - $50,000.00
1890 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,500.00 - $8,812.50Uncirculated: $1,233.75 - $34,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 - $52,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1890 Half Dollar
The 1890 Half Dollar is part of the Liberty Seated series, which was produced from 1839 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and represented a more classical approach to American coinage. 1890 marked one of the final years of this long-running series, making it an important transitional year for collectors.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1890 Half Dollars. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. The presence of original mint luster significantly enhances desirability.
For circulated coins, look for strong details on Liberty's head and the eagle's feathers. Attractive, natural toning can also increase a coin's appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 2,460,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with increased interest in high-grade specimens
Mintage: 1,423,000
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 examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1890 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full detail on both obverse and reverse command higher premiums. The San Francisco mintage, being lower, is generally more valuable than the New Orleans issue in comparable grades.
Historical significance as one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design adds to the coin's appeal. Collectors focusing on type sets or late 19th-century coinage often seek high-grade examples from this year, potentially driving up prices for exceptional specimens.
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