Price Guide for 1868 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: $32.00 – $517.00Uncirculated: $449.00 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $160.50 – $595.00Uncirculated: $481.00 – $570.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $13,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.25 – $516.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.95 – $325.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $1,781.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $3.65 – $5,463.00
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eBayCirculated: $256.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $1,414.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $417.00 – $9,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $661.00 – $2,366.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,175.00 – $11,162.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Half Dime
The 1868 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which had been in production since 1837. This coin was minted during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. The Half Dime, while small in size, played an important role in daily commerce, especially as the country was rebuilding and adapting to a new economic landscape.
| Weight | 1.24 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco), P (Philadelphia, no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1868 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, especially those with strong luster and minimal contact marks, command substantial premiums. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage and generally poorer preservation.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many coins from this era can suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the central design elements. Coins with full, sharp details are highly sought after. Original toning can also enhance a coin’s desirability, with coins displaying attractive, natural color patterns being especially prized by collectors.
Mintage: 3,968,000
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: 280,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Several factors can influence the value of an 1868 Half Dime beyond its basic rarity and condition:
1. Mint mark rarity: The San Francisco (S) mint coins are significantly rarer and more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, subtle die differences can be of interest to specialized collectors.
3. Historical significance: As a coin minted during the Reconstruction era, it holds appeal for collectors interested in Civil War and post-war American history.
4. Set completion: The 1868 Half Dime is an important date for collectors assembling complete sets of Seated Liberty coinage, driving demand for high-grade examples.
