Price Guide for 1887 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: $9.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $9,693.75
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eBayCirculated: $9.99 – $167.99Uncirculated: $22.50 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $220.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $13.99 – $145.00Uncirculated: $118.97 – $1,173.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.35 – $4,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $285.00Uncirculated: $328.00 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $5,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $97.66Uncirculated: $83.82
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $156.00 – $1,783.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,115.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,760.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00
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eBayCirculated: $195.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,292.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $66.00 – $91.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,312.00
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eBayCirculated: $75.00Uncirculated: $1,155.00
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eBayUncirculated: $204.49 – $415.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $411.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayUncirculated: $420.00 – $753.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,760.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,020.00
Design and Specifications of the 1887 Dime
The 1887 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 became iconic in American numismatics.
The year 1887 was near the end of the Seated Liberty dime’s production, making these coins historically significant as representatives of a classic American coin design in its twilight years.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), O (New Orleans), 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
The condition of an 1887 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 significant contact marks or wear on high points like Liberty’s knee and breast are crucial for higher grades.
Toning can also play a role in desirability, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium. For New Orleans and San Francisco mints, well-struck examples are particularly desirable, as these mints often produced coins with weaker strikes compared to Philadelphia.
Mintage: 11,283,939
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: 3,350,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 4,454,450
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
Mint marks play a significant role in the value of 1887 dimes. San Francisco (S) and New Orleans (O) mint marks generally command higher prices than Philadelphia issues due to lower mintages and typically poorer preservation.
The quality of the strike is an important factor, especially for New Orleans and San Francisco issues, which often have weaker strikes. Well-struck examples with full details are more desirable.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples showing sharper details often preferred by collectors. Any unusual error or variety, while not common for this year, could significantly increase the coin’s value if discovered.
