Price Guide for 1796 Half Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.50 – $32,400.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $411,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $750.00 – $13,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $25,000.00Uncirculated: $27,500.00 – $500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $810.00 – $20,700.00Uncirculated: $13,200.00 – $345,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $14,170.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $32,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 – $275,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $705.00 – $15,275.00Uncirculated: $13,000.00 – $58,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,455.00 – $2,895.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $25,000.00Uncirculated: $27,500.00 – $500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,410.00 – $25,850.00Uncirculated: $12,000.00 – $45,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $32,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 – $275,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1796 Half Dime
The 1796 Half Dime is a significant early American coin, representing the first year of the Draped Bust design for this denomination. It was minted during the formative years of the United States Mint, established just four years earlier in 1792. This coin holds immense historical importance as one of the earliest silver coins produced by the young nation, reflecting the economic and political aspirations of the newly formed United States.
| Weight | 1.35 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 16.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small Eagle design, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1796 Half Dime has a dramatic impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are exceptionally rare and valuable. Coins in circulated conditions (Good to Very Fine) are still highly sought after, but those in About Uncirculated to Mint State grades can command premium prices.
The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas due to primitive minting techniques. Coins with strong, full strikes are especially desirable. Original luster, when present, significantly enhances value, as does attractive, natural toning.
Mintage: 10,230
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above, with only a handful known to exist in such high grades
Varieties Errors: LIKERTY variety (LIK instead of LIB in LIBERTY)
Market Demand: High, due to its historical significance and rarity
Several factors can further increase the value of a 1796 Half Dime:
1. Die varieties: The LIKERTY variety, where LIBERTY is misspelled as LIKERTY on the obverse, is particularly valuable.
2. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can command a premium.
3. Original surfaces: Specimens that have avoided cleaning or other alterations are highly prized.
4. Early die state: Examples struck early in the die’s life, showing sharp details, are more valuable.
5. Historical significance: As one of the earliest U.S. silver coins, it holds great appeal for collectors of early American history.
