Price Guide for 1850 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: $12.00 – $306.00Uncirculated: $1.35 – $18,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.00 – $373.79Uncirculated: $256.11 – $908.05
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.60 – $690.00Uncirculated: $384.00 – $22,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.95 – $523.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,960.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50 – $57,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1850 Half Dime
The 1850 Half Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1837 to 1873. This coin was produced during a period of significant change in American history, just two years after the discovery of gold in California, which would soon lead to the famous Gold Rush.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s strength and stability during a time of rapid 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 denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1850 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. Due to its age and circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Uncirculated specimens are particularly valuable, with those grading MS65 or higher commanding substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or scratches increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 955,000
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: 690,000
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
Mintmark consideration: The New Orleans (O) mint examples are generally more valuable due to lower mintage and typically poorer preservation.
Historical significance: The coin’s association with the pre-Civil War era and the California Gold Rush period adds to its appeal among collectors and history enthusiasts.
Type set demand: As part of the Seated Liberty series, this coin is sought after for type sets, increasing demand for high-grade examples.
Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting characteristics may command a premium among specialized collectors.
