Price Guide for 1853 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: $1.00 – $920.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $102,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $4.50 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $2,880.00Uncirculated: $2.70 – $26,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $28.07 – $795.00Uncirculated: $775.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $3,150.00Uncirculated: $3,350.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.15 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $9.50 – $28,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $138.07 – $712.52
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,250.00 – $97,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5,000.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00Uncirculated: $4,080.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.95 – $158.59
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $940.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $10,281.25
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eBayCirculated: $511.09
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $499.00Uncirculated: $1,110.00
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eBayCirculated: $425.00
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eBayUncirculated: $227.30 – $241.38
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eBayCirculated: $220.00 – $800.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,025.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,527.50
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eBayCirculated: $66.50 – $78.00
Design and Specifications of the 1853 Dime
The 1853 Seated Liberty Dime is a significant coin in American numismatic history. This year marked an important transition in U.S. coinage due to rising silver prices. To prevent hoarding and melting, the weight of silver coins was reduced slightly, and arrows were added to the obverse design next to the date to signify this change.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock and holding a shield, had been in use since 1837 and would continue until 1891. The 1853 version with arrows is considered a distinct subtype within the series.
| Weight | 2.67 grams |
|---|---|
| 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 the words 'ONE DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1853 Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce, particularly for the New Orleans mint. Coins in Mint State condition command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer marks and scratches increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 12,078,010
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Arrows at Date variety
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,100,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Arrows at Date variety
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
The Arrows at Date variety is the standard for 1853, making it less of a premium factor compared to other years. However, the clarity of the arrows can affect value, with well-defined arrows being more desirable.
Die varieties and errors can add value. Collectors should look for:
1. Repunched dates
2. Doubled dies
3. Die cracks or cuds
The historical significance of the 1853 weight reduction adds to the coin’s appeal among collectors and can positively influence its value.
