Price Guide for 1853 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: $13.00 – $999.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $77,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $360.00Uncirculated: $135.00 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $21,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.25 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $27,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $193.00 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $975.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $115.00 – $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $494.99Uncirculated: $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $22,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $50.00 – $9,300.00Uncirculated: $5,175.00 – $60,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $450.00 – $2,851.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $11,500.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $96,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $849.85
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1853 Half Dime
The 1853 Half Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. The year 1853 is particularly significant in U.S. coinage history due to the weight reduction of silver coins, including the Half Dime. This change was implemented to discourage the melting and exporting of silver coins due to rising silver prices.
To distinguish the new, lighter-weight coins, arrows were added at the date on the obverse of the 1853 Half Dimes. This makes the 1853 Half Dime a distinct and important transitional issue in the series.
| 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 1853 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their small size and extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1853 Half Dimes exhibit weakness in certain areas, particularly on the eagle’s wing tips on the reverse. Well-struck examples with full detail are highly prized. Original luster and attractive toning can also significantly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 13,210,020
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: With Arrows at Date
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,200,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: With Arrows at Date
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
The 1853 With Arrows Half Dime is a popular type coin, representing the weight change in silver coinage. This historical significance adds to its collectible appeal. The New Orleans mint issues are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts due to lower mintage and typically poorer preservation.
Die varieties, while not as numerous or significant as in some other years, can add interest for specialized collectors. The presence of original mint luster and attractive, natural toning can significantly increase the value, especially for high-grade examples.
Lastly, the historical context of the California Gold Rush and its impact on silver coinage makes the 1853 Half Dime an interesting conversation piece for collectors, potentially increasing its market appeal.
