Price Guide for 1854 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 – $485.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $391.00Uncirculated: $106.05 – $6,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.30 – $743.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $10,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $369.99Uncirculated: $376.20 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.65 – $32,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 – $40,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.01
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,935.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $119.49
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $540.50
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eBayCirculated: $295.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18,800.00 – $43,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00 – $45,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1854 Dime
The 1854 Seated Liberty Dime is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This year is significant as it marks the first year of dime production at the San Francisco Mint, which had just opened in response to the California Gold Rush.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, was a departure from earlier designs and became iconic of mid-19th century American coinage.
| Weight | 2.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), O (New Orleans), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of laurel leaves surrounding the words 'ONE DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1854 Seated Liberty Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS65 and above) are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. The San Francisco issue is especially prized in high grades due to its low mintage and historical significance.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1854 dimes, particularly from New Orleans, can have weak strikes. Original luster and attractive toning can greatly enhance a coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 4,470,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,770,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 100,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and low mintage
Mint mark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1854 dimes. The San Francisco issue commands a significant premium due to its low mintage and status as the first S-mint dime. New Orleans coins are also more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts.
Die varieties, while not as prominent in this year, can add value for specialist collectors. The preservation of details on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse are key areas that collectors scrutinize. Coins with minimal contact marks and no cleaning or environmental damage are highly sought after.
