Price Guide for 1851 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: $2.00 – $823.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $16,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $55.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $230.30 – $450.59
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $1.20 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.50 – $275.00Uncirculated: $531.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1851 Half Dime
The 1851 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This coin was minted during a period of significant economic growth and westward expansion in the United States. The California Gold Rush, which began in 1848, was still in full swing, influencing the nation’s economy and coinage needs.
Half Dimes were essential for daily commerce, representing a significant portion of a worker’s daily wage in 1851. The coin’s small size and silver composition made it a practical and valuable part of circulation.
| 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 1851 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their small size and extensive circulation, many specimens show considerable wear. Well-preserved examples in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
Coins with original mint luster and minimal contact marks command premium prices. The presence of attractive, natural toning can also increase desirability among collectors, particularly for the New Orleans mint issues.
Mintage: 781,000
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: 860,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1851 Half Dimes. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable. The New Orleans mint issues often have weaker strikes, making well-struck examples particularly desirable.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state coins typically being more desirable due to their sharper details. Collectors also pay attention to the quality of the coin’s surfaces, preferring pieces free from significant marks or scratches.
While not particularly rare as a date, the 1851 Half Dime becomes increasingly scarce in higher grades, especially for the New Orleans mint. This scarcity in high grades drives up prices for well-preserved specimens, making them attractive to advanced collectors and investors.
