Price Guide for 1839 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: $30.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $40,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $28.77 – $799.99Uncirculated: $299.99 – $3,955.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.50 – $2,990.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.95 – $405.00Uncirculated: $2,585.10 – $4,426.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00 – $46,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,050.00 – $74,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19.00 – $74,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $186.83Uncirculated: $3,120.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $287.88 – $3,877.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00Uncirculated: $2,100.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $120.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,560.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,920.00 – $5,520.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00Uncirculated: $11,162.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 – $705.00
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eBayCirculated: $150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,750.00 – $12,925.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,000.00Uncirculated: $1,140.00 – $12,925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $52,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $124.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,680.00
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eBayCirculated: $360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $314.86 – $821.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $282.00 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $251.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18,800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1839 Dime
The 1839 Dime represents a significant year in American numismatics. It marks the first full year of production for the Seated Liberty design, which would continue until 1891. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, showcased Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap. The reverse featured a wreath, a departure from the previous eagle design.
1839 was also notable as it saw the first dimes struck at the New Orleans Mint, expanding production beyond Philadelphia. This expansion reflected the growing need for coinage in the expanding United States economy.
| Weight | 2.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| 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 1839 Dimes significantly impacts their value. These coins saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples particularly scarce. Uncirculated specimens are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
For Philadelphia issues, the No Drapery variety is particularly valuable in high grades. New Orleans issues are rarer in all grades due to lower mintage and being the first year of production at that mint.
Strike quality can vary, with many examples showing weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, strong strikes command a premium. Original luster is highly prized, as is attractive, natural toning.
Mintage: 1,053,115
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: No Drapery variety
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and scarcity in high grades
Mintage: 406,034
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very High, due to key date status and historical significance
Historical significance plays a crucial role in the value of 1839 Dimes. As the first full year of the Seated Liberty design and the first year of New Orleans Mint dime production, these coins are in high demand among type set collectors and mint mark specialists.
The No Drapery variety from Philadelphia is an important transitional type, connecting the 1838 pattern to the later Seated Liberty dimes. This variety can command a significant premium, especially in higher grades.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples often showing sharper details. Collectors may pay a premium for coins with exceptional eye appeal, regardless of the technical grade.
