Price Guide for 1884 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: $16.00 – $200.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.00 – $323.00Uncirculated: $94.20 – $995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $646.25Uncirculated: $6.25 – $38,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.59 – $650.00Uncirculated: $581.00 – $980.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $130.00Uncirculated: $1.55 – $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $270.00 – $330.00Uncirculated: $470.00 – $8,755.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $780.00 – $10,575.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $305.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,560.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $576.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $702.00 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,760.00 – $5,460.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $900.00 – $2,585.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $1,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1884 Dime
The 1884 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 symbolized the nation’s strength and stability.
The year 1884 was notable for the continued economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, with increased industrial production and westward expansion influencing coin demand and circulation.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), New Orleans (O) |
| 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 1884 Seated Liberty Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are considerably more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of original mint luster and the absence of noticeable wear on Liberty’s knees, breast, and hair are crucial for higher grades.
Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium. Strike quality is important, particularly for San Francisco and New Orleans mints, which sometimes produced coins with weaker strikes.
Mintage: 3,365,000
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: 564,969
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 1,097,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade specimens
Mintmark rarity plays a role in valuation, with San Francisco and New Orleans issues generally more valuable than Philadelphia issues in comparable grades. Die varieties, while not as significant for this year, can add interest for specialized collectors.
The historical significance of the Seated Liberty design and its representation of late 19th-century American coinage add to the coin’s appeal. Provenance, especially for high-grade examples with a history of belonging to notable collections, can significantly enhance value.
