Price Guide for 1836 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 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $138.00 – $20,562.50
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eBayCirculated: $36.01 – $352.58Uncirculated: $592.00 – $2,600.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.00 – $705.00Uncirculated: $1.30 – $10,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $800.00Uncirculated: $255.00 – $3,626.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,200.00 – $57,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $145.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00 – $6,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00 – $805.00Uncirculated: $1,495.00 – $4,140.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $425.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $147.00 – $186.00Uncirculated: $323.00 – $2,937.50
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eBayCirculated: $86.01 – $280.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $66.00 – $793.00Uncirculated: $1,560.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.65 – $219.00Uncirculated: $1,410.00 – $4,680.00
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eBayCirculated: $275.00Uncirculated: $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $348.00 – $411.00Uncirculated: $1,415.00 – $4,080.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $119.00 – $312.00Uncirculated: $775.50 – $38,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $62.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1836 Half Dime
The 1836 Half Dime marks a significant transition in American coinage. This year saw the introduction of the Seated Liberty design, which would become iconic across multiple denominations. Christian Gobrecht’s design replaced the Capped Bust type and represented a more modern and artistic approach to coin design. The Seated Liberty Half Dime was the first of its series to be issued, preceding the other denominations that would later adopt this design.
Weight | 1.34 grams |
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Diameter | 15.5 mm |
Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1836 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. As a transitional year coin, many were kept as souvenirs, potentially leading to better preservation. However, those that entered circulation often show considerable wear.
High-grade specimens are particularly valuable, with MS65 and above examples commanding substantial premiums. The coin’s small size made it prone to damage, making well-preserved pieces even more desirable.
Collectors particularly value coins with strong strikes, full detail on Liberty’s head and the wreath, and original mint luster. Attractive natural toning can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 1,900,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Date and Small Date varieties
Market Demand: High, due to its historical significance and first-year status
The 1836 Half Dime’s value is further influenced by several factors:
1. First-year issue: As the inaugural coin of the Seated Liberty series, it holds special historical significance.
2. Varieties: The Large Date and Small Date varieties add collecting complexity and can affect value, with the Small Date generally being scarcer.
3. Die state: Later die states showing signs of die deterioration or interesting die cracks can be of interest to specialists.
4. Proofs: While extremely rare, proof specimens from this year do exist and are highly valuable.
5. Historical context: The coin’s association with the beginning of the Seated Liberty era and its minting during Andrew Jackson’s presidency adds to its appeal for history-focused collectors.