Price Guide for 1891 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: $7.00 – $1,527.50Uncirculated: $2.00 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.05 – $235.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $2,599.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $518.00Uncirculated: $1.90 – $8,913.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 – $155.00Uncirculated: $187.50 – $1,220.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.38 – $276.00Uncirculated: $0.95 – $10,281.25
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eBayCirculated: $8.80 – $240.00Uncirculated: $152.00 – $999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $11,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.40 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $411.61 – $2,380.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $376.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.01
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00Uncirculated: $182.13 – $479.00
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eBayCirculated: $200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $881.25
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eBayUncirculated: $1,009.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $67.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00
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eBayUncirculated: $248.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00
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eBayCirculated: $121.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $384.00Uncirculated: $564.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $219.00 – $763.75
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,680.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,260.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $776.00 – $1,320.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $336.00 – $11,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $405.01 – $3,062.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,292.50 – $9,775.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00 – $12,925.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,880.00 – $5,587.12
Design and Specifications of the 1891 Dime
The 1891 Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which had been in production since 1837. This year marked one of the final issues of the Seated Liberty design, as it would be replaced by the Barber dime in 1892. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a classic representation of American coinage during the 19th century.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), 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 1891 dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage and scarcity.
Key factors affecting condition include the presence of original mint luster, the quality of the strike, and the absence of significant wear on high points such as Liberty’s knee and breast. Toning can also impact value, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium.
Mintage: 15,310,000
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: 4,540,000
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: 1,576,000
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
Mintmark rarity plays a crucial role in the value of 1891 dimes. The San Francisco (S) mint coins are the most valuable due to their lower mintage, followed by New Orleans (O), with Philadelphia being the most common.
Die varieties, while not as prominent in this year, can add value for specialized collectors. The quality of the strike is particularly important, as weak strikes were common for this year and mint. Coins with full strike details, especially on Liberty’s head and the reverse wreath, can command significant premiums.
As one of the last years of the Seated Liberty design, the 1891 dime holds historical significance, which can increase its appeal to collectors focusing on transitional years in American coinage.
