Price Guide for 1871 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: $20.00 – $276.00Uncirculated: $63.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.00 – $210.00Uncirculated: $26.52 – $990.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $22,500.00

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $528.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $5,390.00
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eBayCirculated: $59.97 – $395.00Uncirculated: $203.50 – $599.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $440.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1.40 – $25,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $250.00 – $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $417.00 – $11,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $688.00 – $1,905.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,292.50 – $17,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Half Dime
The 1871 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This coin represents one of the final years of production for the half dime denomination, as it would be replaced by the nickel five-cent piece in 1873. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a iconic representation of American coinage during the mid-19th century.
Weight | 1.24 grams |
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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 surrounding the denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1871 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher grades (MS63 and above) are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. The San Francisco mint coins are especially rare in high grades, as they often saw heavy circulation.
Luster is a crucial factor, with coins retaining original mint luster commanding premium prices. Strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples being more desirable. Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing a coin’s appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 1,873,960
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among type set collectors
Mintage: 161,000
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
Date visibility is important for 1871 Half Dimes, as weak strikes can lead to faded dates. Coins with clear, full dates are more valuable. The presence of the mint mark on San Francisco issues is crucial, as it distinguishes the scarcer variant.
Any signs of cleaning or damage can significantly reduce value. Collectors also pay attention to the quality of the devices, particularly Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse. Die state can also influence value, with early die state examples often commanding a premium due to their sharper details.