Price Guide for 1870 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 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $106.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayCirculated: $84.94 – $275.00Uncirculated: $108.27 – $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 – $2,070.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $232.49 – $970.00Uncirculated: $1,575.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $862.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $1.75 – $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $233.63Uncirculated: $259.00 – $1,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $8,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $283.25
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,880.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $1,061.03 – $18,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 – $22,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $384.00 – $6,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $344.98 – $1,155.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $780.00 – $1,028.13
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Dime
The 1870 Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1837 to 1891. This year is notable as it marks the first year of production for the Carson City Mint, adding a new mint mark to the series. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a long-standing and popular motif in American coinage.
| Weight | 2.49 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | S, CC |
| 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 1870 Dimes significantly impacts their value, especially for the rarer San Francisco and Carson City issues. Uncirculated examples are extremely scarce for all mint marks, with the Carson City coins being particularly valuable in any grade.
For Philadelphia issues, coins in AU (About Uncirculated) condition can command substantial premiums over circulated examples. The presence of original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks are crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 1,034,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 50,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for higher grade examples
Mintage: 11,460
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in any mint state grade
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very high, highly sought after by collectors
Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of 1870 Dimes. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The strike quality is also important, with well-struck coins showing full details on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse being more desirable.
For the Carson City issues, the historical significance of being the first year of production adds to their appeal and value. Collectors often seek these coins to complete Carson City mint sets, driving up demand and prices.
