Price Guide for 1840 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: $2.25 – $6,600.00Uncirculated: $139.00 – $38,188.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $2,150.66Uncirculated: $103.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.00 – $660.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $16,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.67 – $450.00Uncirculated: $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $19,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.10 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $1,121.00 – $46,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.48 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,900.00 – $45,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $185.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00 – $1,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $159.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $960.00
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eBayCirculated: $203.51
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $822.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $546.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $558.00 – $920.00
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eBayCirculated: $313.09
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $725.00 – $3,450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,640.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $264.00
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eBayCirculated: $55.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,925.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,145.62Uncirculated: $2,350.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.00 – $71.51Uncirculated: $39.00 – $182.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19,975.00 – $37,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1840 Dime
The 1840 Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was introduced in 1837 and continued until 1891. This year marked the fourth year of production for the Seated Liberty Dime design. The coin features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom. The reverse displays a wreath encircling the denomination.
1840 was a significant year as it saw the introduction of the New Orleans Mint for dime production, expanding the coin’s minting beyond Philadelphia for the first time in the series.
| 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 1840 Dimes significantly impacts their value. These coins often saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples particularly valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are scarce, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
For the New Orleans Mint coins, strike quality can be an issue, with many examples showing weakness in certain areas. Well-struck specimens command a premium. The presence of original luster and attractive, natural toning can also enhance the value considerably.
Mintage: 1,358,580
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,175,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its status as the first New Orleans Mint dime
First-year status for the New Orleans Mint adds significant value to the 1840-O dimes, regardless of condition. Collectors often seek these coins to represent the mint’s inaugural dime production.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, die varieties exist and can add interest and value for specialized collectors. These include variations in the placement of dates, stars, and other design elements.
The historical significance of these coins, minted during the early years of the Seated Liberty series and at the dawn of branch mint coinage for dimes, adds to their overall appeal and value in the numismatic market.
