Price Guide for 1831 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: $0.90 – $540.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $36,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.50 – $780.00Uncirculated: $268.20 – $2,694.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.50 – $86,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00Uncirculated: $403.00 – $2,990.00
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eBayCirculated: $162.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00Uncirculated: $2,040.00 – $2,773.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $82.00 – $489.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $4,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $147.59 – $277.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $117.50 – $633.00Uncirculated: $576.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayCirculated: $187.50 – $214.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $625.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $499.96
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $1,528.00Uncirculated: $329.00 – $9,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $210.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $129.25 – $504.00Uncirculated: $317.25 – $7,931.25
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eBayCirculated: $155.00 – $289.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $5,250.00 – $8,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1831 Half Dime
The 1831 Half Dime is part of the Capped Bust series, which was produced from 1829 to 1837. This coin represents a significant period in early American coinage, as it was minted during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. The Capped Bust design, created by Chief Engraver William Kneass, was a continuation of the earlier Reich design but with some modifications to improve striking quality and durability.
In 1831, the United States was experiencing rapid westward expansion and economic growth, making small denomination coins like the Half Dime crucial for everyday transactions.
| Weight | 1.35 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Capped Bust design, designed by William Kneass |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, designed by William Kneass |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1831 Half Dime significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to its age and circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or scratches increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 1,242,700
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Rarity in high grades: While the 1831 Half Dime is not considered a rare date overall, it becomes increasingly scarce in grades above MS63. Gem-quality specimens (MS65 and above) are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Historical significance: As an early American coin, the 1831 Half Dime holds appeal for collectors interested in pre-Civil War era coinage.
Type set demand: Being part of the Capped Bust series, this coin is in demand for type set collections, which can drive up prices for well-preserved examples.
