Price Guide for 1856 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: $12.00 – $604.00Uncirculated: $109.00 – $10,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.33 – $364.89Uncirculated: $404.95 – $1,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $340.00Uncirculated: $385.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.01 – $395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.75 – $940.00Uncirculated: $1.70 – $7,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.75 – $600.00Uncirculated: $411.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.50 – $3,642.50Uncirculated: $85.00 – $43,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $201.50 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $8,250.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00Uncirculated: $11.25 – $29,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $161.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.00 – $14,400.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $155.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,560.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $171.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $870.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $233.51
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $29,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,462.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00
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eBayCirculated: $175.00
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eBayCirculated: $185.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $80.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $3,840.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00
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eBayCirculated: $36.00 – $74.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $39,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $2,400.00Uncirculated: $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $635.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,200.00 – $23,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,800.00 – $11,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1856 Dime
The 1856 Seated Liberty Dime is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during a period of significant westward expansion and economic growth in the United States, just a few years before the Civil War.
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 had led to the opening of the San Francisco Mint in 1854, which began producing dimes in 1856, making this year particularly noteworthy for numismatists.
| Weight | 2.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), 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 1856 Seated Liberty Dime significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are highly sought after and command substantial premiums. The San Francisco mint coins, in particular, are extremely rare in high grades due to their low mintage and extensive circulation.
Luster is a crucial factor in determining grade and value, with coins retaining original mint luster being particularly desirable. Strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples commanding higher prices. Natural toning can also add to a coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and even.
Mintage: 5,780,000
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: 1,180,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 70,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, considered a key date for the series
Mint mark rarity plays a significant role in the value of 1856 dimes. The San Francisco issue is the most valuable due to its low mintage, followed by the New Orleans mint. Die varieties, while not as prominent in this year, can still affect value for specialist collectors.
The historical significance of the 1856-S dime, being from the early years of the San Francisco Mint, adds to its numismatic interest and value. For all mints, prooflike surfaces on business strikes can significantly increase value, as can any exceptional eye appeal or above-average strike quality.
