Price Guide for 1886 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: $13.00 – $203.50Uncirculated: $2.00 – $15,862.50
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eBayCirculated: $18.50 – $129.04Uncirculated: $49.99 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00 – $880.00Uncirculated: $3.10 – $23,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $178.00 – $560.00Uncirculated: $815.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $403.00 – $2,702.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $8,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $375.00 – $1,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $5,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,469.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $105.00 – $822.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $282.00Uncirculated: $2,640.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $251.50
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eBayCirculated: $86.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $482.40 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $450.00 – $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,406.00 – $4,935.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00 – $7,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,320.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1886 Dime
The 1886 Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was produced from 1837 to 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. 1886 marked the penultimate year of the ‘Legend Obverse’ subtype of the Seated Liberty dime, which had been in use since 1860.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1886 Dimes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are significantly more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of original luster and absence of noticeable wear on high points like Liberty’s knee and breast are key factors.
For the San Francisco mint coins, strong strikes with full details are particularly desirable, as many were weakly struck. Attractive, natural toning can also enhance the value, especially for the San Francisco issues.
Mintage: 6,376,684
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: 2,750,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Die state and strike quality can impact the value of 1886 Dimes. Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable. For the San Francisco mint, coins with a strong, clear mint mark are preferred.
Provenance can also play a role in value. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections may command a premium.
Lastly, while not particularly rare as a date, 1886 Dimes in top grades (MS66 and above) are scarce and highly sought after by type set collectors and series specialists, potentially commanding significant premiums.
