Price Guide for 1890 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $4,715.00
-
eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $185.00Uncirculated: $49.99 – $1,497.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $6,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.75 – $336.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $7,250.00
-
eBayCirculated: $8.54 – $379.00Uncirculated: $153.70 – $930.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $7,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.30 – $12,337.50
-
eBayCirculated: $375.00Uncirculated: $318.13 – $1,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $10,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $68.00 – $103.50
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,230.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $399.50
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $330.00 – $1,150.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,938.75
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,168.75
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,898.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1,250.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $800.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $528.00Uncirculated: $875.00 – $3,220.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $180.00 – $1,292.50
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $265.00 – $4,700.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $679.95 – $1,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,938.75 – $12,102.50
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $20,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $900.00
Design and Specifications of the 1890 Dime
The 1890 Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1837 to 1891. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was one of the longest-running coin designs in U.S. history. The year 1890 marks one of the final years of this iconic series before it was replaced by the Barber dime in 1892.
| 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 1890 Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in circulated conditions are relatively common and affordable, but values increase dramatically for uncirculated specimens. Mint State examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are highly sought after and command substantial premiums.
For all mint locations, coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks are the most desirable. The San Francisco mint coins, being the scarcest, see the most dramatic increase in value for high-grade examples.
Mintage: 9,910,000
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: 2,358,000
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: 1,423,000
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
Toning can play a significant role in an 1890 Dime’s value. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The quality of the strike is also important, with well-struck coins showing full details on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse being more valuable.
For the New Orleans and San Francisco issues, the clarity of the mint mark can affect value, with bold, clear mint marks being more desirable. Collectors also prize original surfaces, so coins that have never been cleaned or dipped tend to be more valuable.
