Price Guide for 1838 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: $25.00 – $1,615.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.50 – $665.01Uncirculated: $214.00 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 – $3,526.18Uncirculated: $1,725.00 – $37,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.00 – $2,450.00Uncirculated: $8,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $3,500.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $748.00Uncirculated: $470.00 – $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $67.50 – $299.00Uncirculated: $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 – $880.00Uncirculated: $38.00 – $28,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $429.99Uncirculated: $2,091.00 – $4,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $161,000.00 – $164,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00 – $646.25
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,170.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $3,120.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50 – $15,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,960.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $920.00Uncirculated: $1,320.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $340.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,610.00 – $4,560.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75Uncirculated: $3,960.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayCirculated: $135.70
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,162.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $95.18 – $725.00Uncirculated: $384.00 – $4,817.50
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eBayCirculated: $203.70
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,043.60
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00 – $492.00Uncirculated: $1,762.50 – $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $492.00Uncirculated: $810.00 – $940.00
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eBayCirculated: $359.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $336.00Uncirculated: $381.88 – $4,935.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00
Design and Specifications of the 1838 Dime
The 1838 Dime marks the first year of the Seated Liberty design for dimes, replacing the Capped Bust design. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, featured Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap. The reverse showcased a wreath surrounding the denomination.
This year is significant as it represents the beginning of a long-running series that would continue until 1891. It’s also notable for being the first year the New Orleans Mint produced dimes, expanding the nation’s coinage capabilities.
| Weight | 2.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'ONE DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1838 Dimes significantly impacts their value. As first-year issues, many were saved, but high-grade examples remain scarce. Coins in Mint State are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher commanding substantial premiums.
Strike quality is crucial, as many 1838 dimes show weakness in certain areas, particularly on Liberty’s head and the stars. Well-struck examples with full details are highly sought after. Original luster and attractive natural toning can also greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 406,034
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Stars and Small Stars varieties
Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue status and historical significance
Mintage: 406,034
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, due to first year of New Orleans Mint dimes
Several factors can affect the value of 1838 Dimes:
1. Mint mark: New Orleans (O) mint dimes are generally rarer and more valuable than Philadelphia issues.
2. Varieties: The Large Stars and Small Stars varieties for Philadelphia issues can command different premiums, with Large Stars being scarcer.
3. Historical significance: As the first year of the Seated Liberty design and the first New Orleans Mint dime, these coins hold special appeal for collectors of early American coinage.
4. Preservation: Due to their age and historical importance, well-preserved examples with minimal wear and no damage are highly prized.
