Price Guide for 1891 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1891 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.
1891 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00 - $1,440.00Uncirculated: $236.00 - $48,875.00
-
eBayCirculated: $57.88 - $850.00Uncirculated: $485.00 - $1,280.40
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 - $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $32,500.00
1891 Half Dollar (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 - $4,000.00Uncirculated: $3.85 - $20,700.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $710.00 - $5,080.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 - $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 - $40,000.00
1891 Half Dollar, PL (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50 - $4,920.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00
1891 Half Dollar WB-101 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00Uncirculated: $5,640.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $749.99
1891 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,800.00Uncirculated: $764.00 - $18,483.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,433.00 - $3,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 - $50,000.00
1891 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,227.50
Design and Specifications of the 1891 Half Dollar
The 1891 Half Dollar is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1839 to 1891. This year marked the final year of production for the Seated Liberty design, making it historically significant. The coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | O, 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1891 Half Dollars. Coins in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) are significantly rarer and more valuable. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding a premium. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can be especially desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 2,136,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as the last year of the series
Mintage: 5,296,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as the last year of the series
As the final year of the Seated Liberty series, the 1891 Half Dollar holds special appeal for collectors. The New Orleans mint examples are generally more valuable due to lower mintage. Die varieties, while not as numerous as in earlier years, can still impact value. Collectors also prize examples with minimal contact marks and strong eye appeal. The historical significance of this transitional year, just before the introduction of the Barber design, adds to its collectible interest.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge:
Additional Resources
Trending Coin Values
See what other coin enthusiasts are currently exploring:
Useful US Coin Tools
Explore these handy tools to learn more about U.S. coins:
