Price Guide for 1846 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: $6.20 – $14,400.00Uncirculated: $23,501.18 – $48,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $487.00 – $3,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $22,500.00Uncirculated: $27,500.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $80.00 – $63,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00 – $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1846 Half Dime
The 1846 Half Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1837 to 1873. This coin represents a crucial period in American history, as the nation was expanding westward and experiencing significant economic growth. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the stability and strength of the young republic.
1846 was a notable year, marked by the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, which would have a profound impact on the nation’s territorial expansion and political landscape.
| Weight | 1.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 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 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1846 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. Due to their age and extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce and highly sought after by collectors. Key factors affecting value include:
Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
Luster: Original mint luster greatly enhances value, especially for uncirculated specimens.
Surface preservation: Coins free from significant marks, scratches, or wear command premium prices.
Toning: Natural, attractive toning can increase desirability and value.
The New Orleans mint coins are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts in similar grades, due to lower survival rates and often weaker strikes.
Mintage: 364,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 510,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Historical significance: The 1846 Half Dime’s connection to the Mexican-American War era adds to its appeal among collectors and history enthusiasts.
Rarity in high grades: Both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues are extremely rare in gem uncirculated condition (MS65 and above), making such specimens highly valuable.
Type set demand: As part of the Seated Liberty series, this coin is in demand for type set collections, which can drive up prices for well-preserved examples.
Mintmark collecting: The presence of two mint locations (Philadelphia and New Orleans) appeals to collectors focusing on mintmark varieties.
