Price Guide for 1889 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: $11.00 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $199.95Uncirculated: $49.00 – $1,026.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.35 – $320.00Uncirculated: $114.00 – $6,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $275.00Uncirculated: $333.00 – $1,282.89
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.30 – $8,518.75
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eBayCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $299.00 – $1,480.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $10,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.85 – $51.00Uncirculated: $128.18 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $200.00 – $223.25
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $85.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $207.00 – $998.75
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eBayUncirculated: $797.00 – $1,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $37.00 – $40.11
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00Uncirculated: $2,585.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,995.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $960.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $480.58 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $550.00 – $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,680.00 – $1,703.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $5,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00 – $2,280.00
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eBayCirculated: $272.50 – $685.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00
Design and Specifications of the 1889 Dime
The 1889 Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which had been in production since 1837. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was nearing the end of its run, as it would be replaced by the Barber dime in 1892. The year 1889 saw significant political and technological advancements, including the inauguration of Benjamin Harrison as the 23rd U.S. President and the opening of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
| 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 1889 Dime significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, especially those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce to rare for all mint marks. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their low mintage.
Collectors prize coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks. The presence of original toning can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value, particularly if it’s attractive and even across the surface.
Mintage: 7,380,000
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: 2,650,000
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: 972,678
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Mint mark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1889 Dimes. The San Francisco (S) mint coins are the most valuable due to their low mintage, followed by the New Orleans (O) mint. Philadelphia mint coins, while still collectible, are generally the most affordable.
Die varieties, while not as common or significant as in some other years, can add value if discovered. Collectors should look for repunched dates or mint marks, which can command a premium.
The historical significance of the Seated Liberty design, being one of the last years of issue, adds to the coin’s appeal among collectors and can positively influence its value.
