Price Guide for 1862 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: $16.00 – $265.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayCirculated: $11.80 – $462.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $196.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $6,168.75
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eBayUncirculated: $250.00 – $1,349.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $460.00 – $44,063.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1862 Half Dime
The 1862 Half Dime was minted during the American Civil War, a time of great economic uncertainty. This coin was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. The Civil War led to widespread hoarding of silver coins, making the 1862 Half Dime an important part of the nation’s coinage during a turbulent period.
| Weight | 1.24 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of cereals surrounding the words 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1862 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated examples are highly sought after, with premium prices for coins exhibiting sharp strikes and minimal contact marks. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage and generally poorer preservation.
Coins with original mint luster and attractive natural toning command higher premiums. The presence of prooflike surfaces, especially on Philadelphia issues, can also increase desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 1,492,550
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, due to Civil War era interest
Mintage: 200,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a crucial role in the value of 1862 Half Dimes. As Civil War era coins, they are popular among both coin collectors and history enthusiasts. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable due to their scarcity and the mint’s importance during the Gold Rush period.
Any coins with provenance linking them to Civil War events or figures could see a significant increase in value. Additionally, examples that somehow escaped circulation and hoarding during the war years are especially prized for their exceptional preservation.
