Price Guide for 1885 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: $25.00 – $196.00Uncirculated: $84.00 – $20,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $127.50Uncirculated: $100.00 – $1,170.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,092.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $11,212.00
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eBayCirculated: $205.00 – $229.05Uncirculated: $350.00 – $2,382.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00 – $6,038.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $49,937.50
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eBayCirculated: $128.00 – $4,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,020.00 – $1,410.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $1,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $135.00 – $444.00Uncirculated: $136.00 – $468.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $705.00
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eBayUncirculated: $412.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $105.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00 – $3,450.00Uncirculated: $5,040.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $293.00 – $19,388.00
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eBayUncirculated: $510.00 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $750.00 – $10,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $960.00 – $2,640.00
Design and Specifications of the 1885 Dime
The 1885 Seated Liberty Dime was 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.
1885 was a notable year as it marked the penultimate year of production for the New Orleans Mint before it temporarily ceased coinage operations until 1892. The coin’s production occurred during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, reflecting the nation’s gradual return to prosperity.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco), O (New Orleans) |
| 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 1885 Seated Liberty Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated conditions are relatively common and affordable, but the value increases exponentially for uncirculated specimens. Mint State examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
For the San Francisco and New Orleans issues, the condition is even more critical due to their lower mintages and typically poorer strike quality. Well-struck examples with full luster and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums.
Mintage: 10,910,000
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: 1,342,000
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: 5,230,000
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 well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is a crucial factor for 1885 Seated Liberty Dimes. Many examples, especially from San Francisco and New Orleans, suffer from weak strikes. Coins with sharp, full details on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse are more desirable.
Original luster is highly prized, particularly on uncirculated specimens. Coins with frosty or satiny luster are preferred over those with dull or impaired surfaces.
Toning can significantly enhance the value of an 1885 dime. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns, especially those with vibrant rainbow colors, often command substantial premiums over untoned examples.
Lastly, provenance can play a role in value. Coins with a documented history of belonging to famous collections or notable numismatists may be worth more to specialized collectors.
