Price Guide for 1860 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: $25.00 – $288.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $15,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.60 – $331.00Uncirculated: $72.00 – $1,760.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.75 – $264.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $24,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.50 – $665.00Uncirculated: $219.50 – $721.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $7,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $348.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $7,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $251.09 – $1,833.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $362.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1860 Half Dime
The 1860 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This coin was minted during a pivotal year in American history, just before the outbreak of the Civil War. The Half Dime, valued at five cents, played a crucial role in everyday commerce, especially as the nation was on the brink of significant political and economic upheaval.
| Weight | 1.24 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 1860 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS63 and above) are considerably more valuable due to their scarcity. Uncirculated specimens with full luster and minimal contact marks are highly prized by collectors.
For New Orleans minted coins, strong strikes are particularly desirable, as many were weakly struck. Coins with clear, fully visible mint marks also tend to command a premium.
Mintage: 799,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular as a pre-Civil War issue
Mintage: 1,060,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, desirable as a pre-Civil War Southern mint issue
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1860 Half Dimes. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often more desirable than those with no toning or unattractive toning. The historical significance of the pre-Civil War era adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
For both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues, examples with prooflike surfaces (though not actual proofs) can command a premium. Additionally, any coins with provenance linking them to notable collections or historical events of the period may see increased value among specialized collectors.
