Expert: Ronald Fern - 9/8/2010

Question
Hi ihave a E.Pluribus.unum 1882 and 1896 coins half a dollar coins do you know the value of these coins ?

Answer
Hi Glenn:

Thanks for your question.

The value of your half dollars depends on the date and mint mark as well as the condition. The mint mark is found on the reverse of the coin directly below the eagles tail. In 1882 coins were struck for only Philadelphia with no mintmark. It is quite scarce with a little over 4000 pieces struck. It has a retail value of $350 in good condition. In 1896, half dollar coins were minted with no mint mark for Philadelphia, an "O" mint mark for New Orleans, and a "S" mint mark for San Francisco. The 1896 half has a retail value of between $15 and $65, depending on mintmark in good condition. Coins in better condition are worth more.

Your coin contains about three eights an ounce of pure silver. The dollar was struck in .900 fine silver. With silver at almost $20.00 a troy ounce, your half dollars have a melt value of about $7.00 each.

See Link for melt value: http://www.coinflation.com/silver_coin_values.html

To grade your coins: http://coinauctionshelp.com/how_to_grade_seated_dollars.html or
                                     http://coinauctionshelp.com/how_to_grade_barber_head_coins.html

For mintages and values: http://coinauctionshelp.com/Seated_Liberty_Half_Dollar_Mintages_Price_Guide.html and http://coinauctionshelp.com/Barber_Half_Dollar_Mintages_Price_Guide.html
             
You may want to check ebay listings under US coins in the half dollar category to see what these coins are going for. If you live close to a coin shop, they should offer you an opinion as to the condition, and value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your coins to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php
                        
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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.