Coin and Paper Money Collecting/value of coin

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Expert: - 2/28/2010


Question
i have a 1853 1/2 dollar u.s. with 13 stars on it.  can you tell me the value of it?

Answer
Hi Patti:

Thanks for asking me to answer your question.

Your 1853 half dollar will have rays on the reverse. Your coin's value would be based on the mint mark (on the reverse of the coin under the Eagle's Tail), and the condition.

To grade your coin, see: http://www.usacoinshop.com/seatedhalves.html

A recent issue of "Coin Values" magazine shows the approximate retail value in average circulated condition of your coin can vary from $35 to $40, depending on the criteria stated above. A coin in much higher grade (Very Fine) can bring from $100 to $200.

For additional information: http://coinauctionshelp.com/Seated_Liberty_Half_Dollar.html

There are a number of active auctions on eBay for 1853 half dollars. See: http://coins.shop.ebay.com/Seated-Liberty-1839-91-/11970/i.html?_trkparms=65%253...

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.  

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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