Price Guide for 1842 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: $16.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $2.60 – $10,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.00 – $310.05Uncirculated: $595.00 – $1,130.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $10,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $780.00 – $26,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,500.00 – $31,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,000.00 – $49,937.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $149.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $117.50Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $1,762.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,462.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,290.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $4,320.00 – $4,817.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $822.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $452.38Uncirculated: $3,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $28,200.00 – $37,375.00
Design and Specifications of the 1842 Dime
The 1842 Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from the previous Capped Bust design. The year 1842 saw production at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans mints, with the latter reopening after being closed in 1841 due to financial difficulties.
Weight | 2.67 grams |
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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 denomination 'ONE DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1842 Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS63 and above) are considerably scarcer and more valuable. The New Orleans mint coins are typically found in lower grades due to poorer striking quality and more extensive circulation.
Luster is a crucial factor, with fully lustrous coins commanding premium prices. Strike quality can vary, especially for New Orleans coins, with well-struck examples being more desirable. Original toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 1,887,500
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,020,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintmark size and placement can affect value, with some collectors seeking examples with clear, well-defined mintmarks. The presence of die cracks or cuds may increase interest among variety collectors.
For both mints, coins with minimal contact marks and strong design details are highly sought after. The New Orleans issues are generally more valuable in higher grades due to their typically poorer striking quality and more extensive circulation.
As with many coins from this era, provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade examples with a history of belonging to notable collections.