What is the value of an 1893 silver half dollar?

Answer 1

There were two 1893 Half dollars made. The commemorative half named "Columbian Exposition half" and a regular issue Barber type Half. Both have 90% silver content and in low grade are valued about the same.

For the commemorative from $12 to $35, The front is a bust of Columbus and the reverse has a Ship with the two hemispheres below.

The Barber issue has Liberty facing to the right and an Eagle on the back. If there is a mint mark it will be an "O" or an "S" below the eagles tail feathers and above the D in the word DOLLAR.

There is a 70 point scale to determine the value of the coin. No mater how dark it is the grading is the same. Do not attempt to clean the coin. For a grade 4 (Good) the date and legends must be present even if worn. Look at the head band fir the letters "LIBERTY" if they are there you can grade the coin more easily.

Grade 8 Very Good = Minimum of 3 letters of the word LIBERTY show

Grade 12 Fine = LIBERTY is completely readable but not sharp

Grade 20 Very Fine = LIBERTY is completely visible and evenly plain to see

Grade 40 Extremely Fine = LIBERTY is bold looking and the ribbon it is on distinct. Some mint luster may show on the fields through the dark patina.

in grades from 4 to below 40 the coin retails for :

Philadelphia Mint $11.00 to $160

Denver Mint $18.00 to $250

San Francisco Mint $40.00 to $425