Price Guide for 1837 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $72,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $63.23 – $2,600.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $60,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $1,292.50Uncirculated: $1.00 – $29,375.00
-
eBayCirculated: $36.00 – $625.00Uncirculated: $309.00 – $1,270.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $23,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.90 – $2,070.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $26,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $26.05 – $670.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $3,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $45,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $36.00 – $1,997.50Uncirculated: $805.00 – $9,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $171.00 – $900.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $15,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $299.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $50,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,210.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,530.00 – $105,750.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $125,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,160.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $588.00Uncirculated: $211.50 – $3,525.00
-
eBayCirculated: $63.77 – $420.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $45,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $77.00 – $1,495.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $492.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $1,100.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $159.80Uncirculated: $822.50 – $18,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $174.30
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 – $823.00Uncirculated: $661.00 – $5,750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $900.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1837 Half Dime
The 1837 Half Dime marks a significant transition in American coinage. It was the first year of the Seated Liberty design, which would continue until 1873. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, replaced the Capped Bust design and represented a more modern and artistic approach to coin design.
The introduction of the Seated Liberty Half Dime coincided with the beginning of the economic Panic of 1837, adding historical context to this coin’s issuance. It was also one of the last coins to be struck before the establishment of branch mints, making it an important transitional piece in U.S. numismatic history.
| Weight | 1.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks used this year |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1837 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. As a first-year issue and a coin that saw heavy circulation, high-grade examples are particularly scarce. Coins in Mint State conditions are highly sought after by collectors.
The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks can greatly increase the coin’s desirability. Additionally, some collectors prefer coins with attractive natural toning, which can command a premium if aesthetically pleasing.
Mintage: 1,405,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to heavy circulation and age
Varieties Errors: Small Date and Large Date varieties
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and first-year status
Several factors can affect the value of an 1837 Half Dime:
1. Date Size Variety: Both Small Date and Large Date varieties exist, with the Small Date being slightly scarcer.
2. Strike Quality: Well-struck examples with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the wreath, are more desirable.
3. Historical Significance: As the first year of the Seated Liberty design, this coin holds special appeal for type set collectors.
4. Die State: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or clashing can be of interest to specialists.
5. Originality: Coins with original surfaces, free from cleaning or other alterations, are highly prized by collectors.
