Price Guide for 1844 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.30 – $432.00Uncirculated: $2.85 – $15,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $17.93 – $333.99Uncirculated: $230.00 – $1,899.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $560.00 – $6,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.15 – $4,600.00Uncirculated: $2,070.00 – $40,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $88.43 – $890.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $7,000.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $35,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $63,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 – $60,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $41.00 – $352.50Uncirculated: $305.50 – $1,841.00
-
eBayCirculated: $50.00Uncirculated: $762.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17,825.00 – $21,850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $37,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1844 Half Dime
The 1844 Half Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from previous coin designs and symbolized the nation’s strength and stability.
The year 1844 was notable as it marked the midpoint of the 1840s, a decade of significant westward expansion and growing tensions over slavery that would eventually lead to the Civil War.
| 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 1844 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated examples are particularly scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The New Orleans mint coins are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage and higher attrition rate.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks or scratches command higher prices.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 430,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 220,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Rarity in high grades is a crucial factor for both Philadelphia and New Orleans issues. The 1844-O, in particular, is extremely rare in Mint State, with only a handful of examples known in grades MS63 or better.
The historical significance of the Seated Liberty design and the coin’s connection to pre-Civil War America can increase collector interest. Additionally, the low survival rate of these coins, especially in higher grades, contributes to their value and desirability in the numismatic market.
