1896 Half Dollar Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1896 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1896 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.

1896 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $19.00 - $3,800.00

  Uncirculated: $230.00 - $27,600.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $18.25 - $1,131.96

  Uncirculated: $676.00 - $799.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $27.00 - $700.00

  Uncirculated: $800.00 - $31,500.00

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1896-O Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $17.00 - $12,650.00

  Uncirculated: $7.25 - $123,375.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $12.50 - $2,995.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $27.00 - $10,750.00

  Uncirculated: $11,500.00 - $140,000.00

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1896 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,195.00 - $6,697.50

  Uncirculated: $863.00 - $21,850.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $1,626.00 - $4,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $750.00 - $26,000.00

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1896 Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $863.00 - $24,150.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,650.00 - $35,000.00

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1896-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $23.00 - $3,681.00

  Uncirculated: $12.75 - $54,625.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $10.40 - $2,495.00

  Uncirculated: $2,999.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $65.00 - $2,750.00

  Uncirculated: $3,000.00 - $67,500.00

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1896 Half Dollar (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $450.00 - $4,230.00

  Uncirculated: $5.00 - $24,675.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $785.00

  Uncirculated: $726.00 - $2,972.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $525.00 - $575.00

  Uncirculated: $665.00 - $23,500.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1896 Half Dollar

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1896 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are highly sought after, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable. The strike quality can vary, particularly for New Orleans mint coins, which often have weaker strikes compared to San Francisco issues.

Luster is a crucial factor in determining value, with coins retaining original mint luster commanding premium prices. Natural toning, if attractive, can also enhance the coin's desirability and value among collectors.

Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1896 Half Dollars. As one of the last years of the Liberty Seated design, these coins are popular among collectors completing date sets or type collections. The relatively low mintages for both mints contribute to their scarcity and value.

Die state and die variety can also affect value, with some collectors seeking examples showing different stages of die wear or minor variations in the design. Additionally, the presence of any original mint bloom or prooflike surfaces can significantly increase a coin's desirability and value, especially for the San Francisco mint issues.