Price Guide for 1873 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: $27.00 – $158.63Uncirculated: $2.25 – $12,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $400.00Uncirculated: $143.50 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 – $277.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $9,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $37.09 – $258.09Uncirculated: $130.80 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $9,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $301.00Uncirculated: $2.85 – $20,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $306.00 – $2,399.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $320.00 – $20,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $649.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,738.00 – $14,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1873 Half Dime
The 1873 Half Dime represents the final year of production for this denomination. The Half Dime was discontinued with the passage of the Coinage Act of 1873, which introduced the nickel five-cent piece as its replacement. This makes the 1873 Half Dime a significant transitional year coin, marking the end of an era in American coinage.
| Weight | 1.24 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco), CC (Carson City) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1873 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. As the final year of issue, many were saved, but high-grade examples remain scarce. Uncirculated specimens command substantial premiums, especially for the San Francisco and Carson City issues.
Mint state coins with full luster and minimal contact marks are highly sought after. The presence of attractive toning can further enhance value, particularly for the Philadelphia and San Francisco issues.
Mintage: 712,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to final year status and historical significance
Mintage: 324,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to final year status, lower mintage, and historical significance
Mintage: 5,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in any uncirculated grade
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Very high, due to extremely low mintage and final year status
Rarity and historical significance are key factors in the value of 1873 Half Dimes. The Carson City issue, with its extremely low mintage, is highly prized by collectors and can command significant premiums even in circulated grades.
The final year status adds appeal to all 1873 Half Dimes, making them popular with collectors of type sets and series specialists alike. Well-preserved examples with original surfaces and eye appeal are particularly desirable, as they represent the end of an important era in U.S. coinage history.
