Price Guide for 1883 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 – $144.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $31,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $473.00Uncirculated: $66.20 – $1,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1.15 – $21,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $250.00 – $2,455.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $999.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,040.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $403.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $357.00 – $1,305.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,966.00 – $7,015.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $1,800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1883 Dime
The 1883 Seated Liberty Dime is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and represented a more mature artistic style in American coinage.
1883 was a notable year in American numismatics, as it saw the introduction of the new Liberty Head nickel, which initially lacked the word ‘CENTS’, leading to gold-plating scams. The dime, however, remained consistent in its design and composition.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 an 1883 Seated Liberty Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated condition are relatively common and affordable, but prices increase dramatically for specimens in uncirculated condition, especially those grading MS65 or higher.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer marks and blemishes increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value.
Mintage: 7,674,673
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: 1,175,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,250,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mint marks play a crucial role in determining the value of 1883 Seated Liberty Dimes. Coins from New Orleans (O) and San Francisco (S) are generally more valuable than those from Philadelphia due to lower mintages and often poorer preservation.
Die varieties, while not as prominent in this year, can still affect value. Collectors may pay premiums for sharp strikes and coins with exceptional eye appeal.
The historical significance of the Seated Liberty design and its representation of 19th-century American coinage adds to the overall collectible appeal of these coins, particularly for well-preserved examples that showcase the intricate design details.
