Price Guide for 1798 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: $27.50 – $14,950.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $99,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $761.97 – $3,199.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00 – $69,000.00Uncirculated: $22,000.00 – $83,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,000.00 – $57,500.00Uncirculated: $60,000.00 – $250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00 – $15,000.00Uncirculated: $5,225.00 – $253,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $999.95 – $5,207.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $50,000.00Uncirculated: $65,000.00 – $200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.50 – $35,000.00Uncirculated: $8,250.00 – $82,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $313.00 – $3,472.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $12,500.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00 – $5,760.00Uncirculated: $7,637.50 – $37,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $12,500.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00 – $12,650.00Uncirculated: $99,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $45,000.00Uncirculated: $60,000.00 – $185,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $960.00 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50 – $117,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $824.22 – $5,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $12,000.00 – $140,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,645.00 – $2,640.00Uncirculated: $30,550.00 – $199,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,000.00 – $50,000.00Uncirculated: $55,000.00 – $250,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1798 Dime
The 1798 Dime, also known as the Draped Bust Small Eagle Dime, is a significant early American coin. It was part of the first series of dimes minted by the United States, which began in 1796. The year 1798 saw the last use of the Small Eagle reverse design on dimes, making this coin historically important as it represents the end of an era in early U.S. coinage.
| Weight | 5.4 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small Eagle design, with an eagle standing on a cloud, holding a wreath in its beak, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for 1798 Dimes due to their age and rarity. Coins in Very Fine (VF) condition or better are highly sought after and command significant premiums. The strike quality can vary, with some examples showing weakness in certain areas. Original surfaces and natural toning are highly prized by collectors, as they indicate the coin has not been cleaned or altered.
Mintage: 27,550
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with only a handful known in Mint State
Varieties Errors: 13 Stars and 16 Stars obverse varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
The 13 Stars and 16 Stars varieties can affect value, with the 16 Stars variety being scarcer and more valuable. Die state is another important factor, as later die states with more pronounced cracks or breaks can be of interest to specialists. The historical significance of this coin as the last year of the Small Eagle reverse adds to its desirability. Provenance can also play a role in value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions.
