Price Guide for 1797 Half 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: $8.00 – $16,100.00Uncirculated: $5,175.00 – $164,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $30.00 – $5,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $18,500.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.50 – $14,950.00Uncirculated: $1,840.00 – $129,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $575.00 – $12,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $21,000.00Uncirculated: $22,500.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.50 – $46,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $949.00 – $14,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $65,000.00Uncirculated: $75,000.00 – $120,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00 – $23,000.00Uncirculated: $13,800.00 – $24,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $6,248.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $18,500.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $504.00 – $4,800.00Uncirculated: $141,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $21,000.00Uncirculated: $22,500.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,080.00 – $9,106.25Uncirculated: $14,400.00 – $126,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,057.50 – $19,200.00Uncirculated: $10,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $65,000.00Uncirculated: $75,000.00 – $120,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1797 Half Dime
The 1797 Half Dime, also known as the Draped Bust Half Dime, is a significant early American coin. It was part of the first series of silver coins produced by the United States Mint following the Coinage Act of 1792. The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1796, represented a move towards a more mature and refined representation of Liberty, replacing the earlier Flowing Hair design.
This coin was minted during a time when the young United States was establishing its monetary system and asserting its independence through its coinage. The Half Dime, valued at five cents, played a crucial role in daily commerce during this period.
| Weight | 1.35 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 16.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small Eagle design, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1797 Half Dime has a dramatic impact on its value. Due to its age and limited survival rate, even low-grade examples are valuable. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many specimens show weakness in certain areas due to the primitive minting technology of the time. Well-struck examples with full details command significant premiums.
Original surfaces and natural toning are highly prized by collectors. Coins with attractive, original patina can sell for substantial premiums over similar grade coins with less appealing surfaces.
Mintage: 44,527
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with only a handful known in Mint State
Varieties Errors: 15 Stars and 16 Stars varieties
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
The 15 Stars and 16 Stars varieties add an extra layer of collectibility to the 1797 Half Dime. The 15 Stars variety is slightly more common, while the 16 Stars variety is rarer and typically commands a higher price.
Die state is another important factor. Late die state examples showing die cracks or other distinctive characteristics may be of interest to specialized collectors.
The historical significance of this coin as one of the earliest U.S. silver issues adds to its overall appeal and value. Its connection to the founding era of the United States makes it particularly desirable to collectors of early American coinage.
