Price Guide for 1839 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: $18.00 – $384.00Uncirculated: $1.80 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $850.00Uncirculated: $255.00 – $1,240.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.90 – $4,773.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $18,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $43.00 – $899.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,450.00Uncirculated: $1,650.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,100.00 – $33,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40,000.00 – $55,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $395.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $24,000.00 – $55,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1839 Half Dime
The 1839 Half Dime marks a significant transition in American coinage. It was the first year of the Seated Liberty design for half dimes, replacing the Capped Bust design. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, would continue with minor modifications until 1873. The year 1839 is particularly notable as it saw the introduction of the New Orleans Mint for half dime production, expanding the coin’s minting beyond Philadelphia for the first time.
| Weight | 1.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1839 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. These coins often saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples particularly valuable. Uncirculated specimens, especially those grading MS65 or higher, are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
For Philadelphia issues, the No Drapery and With Drapery varieties add an extra layer of collectibility, with the No Drapery being scarcer. The New Orleans issues are generally more valuable due to their historical significance and lower survival rate in high grades.
Mintage: 1,069,150
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: No Drapery and With Drapery varieties
Market Demand: High, due to first year of type and historical significance
Mintage: 1,000,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable
Market Demand: High, due to first year of New Orleans Mint and historical significance
Strike quality is a crucial factor for 1839 Half Dimes. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s head and the wreath command premium prices. Original luster is highly prized, especially on Philadelphia issues.
Toning can significantly affect value, with coins displaying attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium. The historical significance of the 1839 Half Dime, being the first year of the Seated Liberty design and the first year of New Orleans Mint production, adds to its appeal and value among collectors and numismatists.
