Price Guide for 1821 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 – $7,475.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $1,325.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.00 – $2,467.50Uncirculated: $4.00 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,290.00 – $94,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $56.75 – $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100,000.00 – $140,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $111.63 – $1,528.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $2,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $169.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $7,015.00Uncirculated: $70,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $700.00 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $4,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $72.00 – $85.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00 – $940.00Uncirculated: $2,070.00 – $11,162.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $34.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $1,553.00 – $9,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $120.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 – $1,920.00Uncirculated: $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $121.38 – $140.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $810.00Uncirculated: $2,280.00 – $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $97.00 – $871.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $1,440.00Uncirculated: $4,935.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $612.66
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,950.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00 – $1,130.66
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $211.50 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $2,750.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1821 Dime
The 1821 Dime is part of the Capped Bust series, which was minted from 1809 to 1837. This design, created by Assistant Engraver John Reich, represented a significant aesthetic improvement over its predecessor, the Draped Bust design. The year 1821 saw a relatively low mintage for dimes, making it a notable date for collectors of early American coinage.
| Weight | 2.70 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 18.8 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Capped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing left, designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1821 Dime’s value. Most surviving examples show significant wear, making high-grade specimens extremely valuable. Coins in About Uncirculated (AU) condition or better are highly sought after.
The strike quality can vary, with some coins showing weakness in certain areas. Well-struck examples with full details command a premium. Original luster is highly prized in uncirculated specimens, while attractive, natural toning can significantly enhance desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 1,186,512
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a role in the 1821 Dime’s value. As an early American coin, it appeals to collectors interested in the formative years of U.S. coinage. The relatively low mintage for the year adds to its numismatic importance.
Die varieties, while not as numerous or dramatic as in some earlier years, can affect value. Collectors may pay a premium for rare die states or interesting die cracks. The overall scarcity of high-grade examples means that even small differences in condition can result in significant price variations.
