Price Guide for 1858 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: $11.00 – $1,292.50Uncirculated: $1.00 – $15,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.21 – $229.99Uncirculated: $172.00 – $1,199.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.75 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $1.20 – $13,512.50
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eBayCirculated: $27.20 – $365.00Uncirculated: $213.27 – $1,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $28.00 – $576.00Uncirculated: $446.50 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.98 – $799.99Uncirculated: $1,299.00 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $446.50 – $633.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $29,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $898.00 – $900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $46.00 – $242.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $180.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $175.00Uncirculated: $2,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00 – $456.00Uncirculated: $840.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 – $249.99Uncirculated: $2,656.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $840.00 – $6,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $6,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1858 Half Dime
The 1858 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the mid-19th century, representing half of one-tenth of a dollar. The year 1858 saw significant economic recovery following the Panic of 1857, making this coin an interesting artifact of American financial history.
| Weight | 1.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of laurel leaves surrounding the words 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1858 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after and command substantial premiums. The presence of original luster and absence of wear on high points like Liberty’s knee and breast are crucial for higher grades.
Toning can also play a role in desirability, with attractive, natural toning often increasing a coin’s appeal to collectors. Strike quality is another important factor, as weakly struck coins are less desirable than those with sharp details.
Mintage: 3,500,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among type set collectors
Mintage: 1,660,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mint marks play a significant role in the value of 1858 Half Dimes. The New Orleans (O) mint coins are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts due to lower mintage and typically poorer preservation.
Die varieties, while not as prominent in this year, can still affect value. Collectors may pay premiums for repunched dates or misplaced digits if discovered.
The historical significance of the coin, minted just before the Civil War, adds to its appeal among collectors of early American coinage.
