What is the value of an 1857 US half dollar?

Answer 1

Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter. It may be blank or there may be an O or S.

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 04/2010:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Very worn condition - $28

Moderately worn - $51

Slightly worn - $70

Almost no wear - $222

Uncirculated - $480 to $13,750 depending on quality

"O" mint mark (New Orleans):

Very worn condition - $30

Moderately worn - $55

Slightly worn - $81

Almost no wear - $403

Uncirculated - $1,050 to $11,690

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn condition - $77

Moderately worn - $175

Slightly worn - $345

Almost no wear - $1,614

Uncirculated - $4,950 to $28,130