Price Guide for 1848 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 – $1,210.00Uncirculated: $192.00 – $21,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $38.00 – $619.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $16,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.90 – $748.00Uncirculated: $312.00 – $26,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $28.09 – $208.27Uncirculated: $797.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $31,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.75 – $431.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $7,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $27.00 – $256.09Uncirculated: $275.00 – $1,025.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $8,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,400.00 – $23,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22,500.00 – $30,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $53.00 – $246.75Uncirculated: $240.00 – $2,040.00
-
eBayCirculated: $379.99
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00Uncirculated: $660.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $63,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1848 Half Dime
The 1848 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This year was significant as it marked the height of the California Gold Rush, which would soon lead to changes in American coinage. The Half Dime, being a small silver coin, played an important role in everyday commerce during this period of westward expansion and economic growth.
| 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 denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1848 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their small size and prolonged circulation, many examples show considerable wear. Uncirculated specimens are scarce for both mint locations, with New Orleans issues being particularly rare in high grades.
Coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums. The presence of original toning can also enhance desirability among collectors, particularly if it’s attractive and even across the surface.
Mintage: 668,000
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: 600,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1848 Half Dimes. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s head and hand, as well as sharp definition in the wreath on the reverse, are highly sought after.
The New Orleans mintage tends to be more valuable due to generally lower quality control at that mint and fewer surviving high-grade specimens. Collectors also pay attention to the strength of the mint mark on New Orleans issues.
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.
