1856-O 50C (Regular Strike)
Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891
PCGS MS66
PCGS MS66
PCGS MS66
- PCGS #:
- 6288
- Designer:
- Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht
- Edge:
- Reeded
- Diameter:
- 30.00 millimeters
- Weight:
- 12.40 grams
- Mintage:
- 2,658,000
- Mint:
- New Orleans
- Metal:
- 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Auction Record:
- $10,575 • MS66 • 06-08-2016 • Heritage Auctions
Major Varieties
- 1856-O 50C
Die Varieties
- 1856-O 50C WB-1 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-2 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-3 Large O RP1
- 1856-O 50C WB-4 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-5 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-6 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-7 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-8 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-9 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-10 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-11 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-12 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-13 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-14 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-15 Large O RPD
- 1856-O 50C WB-16 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-17 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-18 Large O
- 1856-O 50C WB-19 Large O DDO
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 2,000 |
| 60 or Better | 180 |
| 65 or Better | 12 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-4.6 |
| 60 or Better | R-7.2 |
| 65 or Better | R-9.5 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 61 / 66 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 60 / 66 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 32 / 66 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 107 / 126 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 96 / 126 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 55 / 126 TIE |
Condition Census What Is This?
| #1 MS66 PCGS grade |
| #1 MS66 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS65 estimated grade |
In 1856, employees at the New Orleans Mint cranked out over 2.6 million Half Dollars representing a total value of $1.329 miilion. Though most of those entered circulation, a large number were preserved by collectors in high grades. Today, dozens of 1856-O Half Dollars exist in a range of grades from MS62 to MS65, and smaller quantities are available in MS65 to MS66. Mid-range Mint State examples are quite affordable but, not unexpectedly, the 1856-O Half Dollar becomes an expensive condition-rarity in MS66.
The typical 1856-O Half Dollar shows weakness in some of the stars, the denticles on both sides, and perhaps in some of the reverse legends. Accordingly, coins with full strikes should command a nice premium.