Price Guide for 1838 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: $14.00 – $705.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $3,200.00Uncirculated: $1.35 – $37,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $454.99Uncirculated: $282.77 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.25 – $8,100.00Uncirculated: $525.00 – $49,937.50
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $3,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $8,000.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $20,900.00 – $182,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50,000.00 – $150,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $46.77 – $80.00Uncirculated: $224.75 – $2,700.00
Design and Specifications of the 1838 Half Dime
The 1838 Half Dime marked the second year of the Seated Liberty design, which replaced the Capped Bust design. This coin represents a significant transition in American coinage, as it was part of the move towards more uniform and consistent designs across different denominations.
The Seated Liberty motif, created by Christian Gobrecht, would become iconic and remain on several silver coin denominations for decades. The 1838 issue is particularly notable as it was the first year the New Orleans Mint produced half dimes.
| Weight | 1.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), New Orleans (O) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the denomination 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1838 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, high-grade examples are scarce, particularly for the New Orleans mint. Coins in Mint State condition command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer marks and blemishes increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 2,255,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Stars and Large Stars varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 70,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Variety collectors may seek the Philadelphia mint’s Small Stars and Large Stars varieties, which can command premiums. The New Orleans issue is particularly valuable due to its status as the first year of half dime production at that mint.
The historical significance of the 1838 Half Dime, being an early year of the Seated Liberty design and the inaugural New Orleans issue, adds to its appeal among collectors of early American coinage. Provenance can also play a role, with coins from famous collections potentially commanding higher prices.
