Price Guide for 1862 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: $1.50 – $216.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.99 – $399.96Uncirculated: $96.00 – $1,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.50 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $3,080.00 – $58,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $68.00 – $1,381.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $5,500.00Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $67,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $3,520.00
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eBayUncirculated: $315.00 – $1,599.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $282.00
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eBayCirculated: $71.28 – $900.00Uncirculated: $27.50 – $375.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $111.62
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $794.30
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $282.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $397.00 – $7,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1862 Dime
The 1862 Seated Liberty Dime was minted during the second year of the American Civil War. This period saw significant economic turmoil, with silver coins often hoarded or exported due to their intrinsic value exceeding their face value. As a result, many 1862 dimes were likely removed from circulation shortly after being minted, affecting their availability today.
| Weight | 2.49 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 1862 dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to the Civil War context and subsequent hoarding, many examples show signs of wear or damage. Well-preserved specimens, especially those in Mint State, command substantial premiums.
For Philadelphia issues, coins in MS65 or higher are particularly scarce. San Francisco issues are even rarer in high grades, with examples above MS63 being extremely elusive. The presence of original luster and absence of major contact marks greatly enhance desirability and value.
Mintage: 847,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 180,750
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1862 dimes. Coins with attractive, natural toning are highly prized by collectors. The strike quality is another important factor, with well-struck examples commanding higher premiums.
The historical significance of the Civil War era adds to the appeal of these coins. Provenance, especially if traceable to a notable collection or with a history of careful preservation, can further enhance value. For San Francisco issues, the low mintage combined with historical importance makes them particularly valuable, especially in higher grades.
