Price Guide for 1870 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: $17.00 – $180.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $22,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.99 – $197.50Uncirculated: $145.00 – $1,187.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $661,250.00 – $3,120,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,750,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00 – $3,910.00Uncirculated: $1.85 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $150.50 – $475.00Uncirculated: $285.00 – $1,360.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $468.00 – $8,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $260.00 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Half Dime
The 1870 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which had been in production since 1837. This coin represents one of the final years of the half dime denomination, as it would be replaced by the nickel five-cent piece in 1873. The year 1870 saw significant economic growth and westward expansion in the United States, making this coin a tangible piece of American history from that era.
| Weight | 1.24 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 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 denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1870 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Circulated examples are relatively affordable, but prices increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens, especially those with strong luster and minimal contact marks. The Philadelphia issue is particularly valuable in high grades due to its lower mintage.
Coins with original toning are highly prized by collectors, as they often display attractive colors that have developed over time. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding a premium.
Mintage: 535,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with increased interest in high-grade specimens
Mintage: 4,000,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved examples
Provenance can play a role in the value of 1870 Half Dimes, especially for high-grade examples. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command higher prices.
The San Francisco issue, despite its higher mintage, can be challenging to find in top grades due to heavy circulation in the West. Well-preserved examples of this issue are highly sought after by collectors focusing on Western coinage.
As one of the last years of half dime production, the 1870 issue holds additional historical interest, which can contribute to its desirability among collectors of 19th-century American coinage.
