Price Guide for 1859 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: $30.00 – $329.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $25,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $251.00Uncirculated: $240.00 – $6,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $340.00Uncirculated: $385.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.25 – $28,800.00Uncirculated: $14,950.00 – $100,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $219.00 – $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $19,500.00Uncirculated: $23,500.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.25 – $675.63Uncirculated: $3.25 – $13,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $449.00Uncirculated: $416.00 – $2,699.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $372.00 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $14,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $455.00 – $1,985.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $20,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $330.63Uncirculated: $179.50 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,760.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00 – $3,525.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $228.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,220.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $720.00 – $2,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00Uncirculated: $902.40
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $146.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $3,960.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $720.00 – $20,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,255.00 – $33,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,020.00 – $12,337.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,143.60 – $3,760.00
Design and Specifications of the 1859 Dime
The 1859 Seated Liberty Dime is part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This coin represents a pivotal year in American history, just before the outbreak of the Civil War. The design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s stability and strength during a time of growing tensions between the North and South.
| Weight | 2.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 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 of cereals, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1859 Seated Liberty Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are particularly valuable, with premiums increasing dramatically for grades MS65 and above.
Strike quality is crucial, as weakly struck coins are less desirable. Original luster adds considerable value, especially on Philadelphia issues. For New Orleans minted coins, strong mint marks are highly sought after, as weak mint marks are common.
Mintage: 429,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 480,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1859 dimes. Natural, attractive toning is highly prized by collectors and can command substantial premiums. Conversely, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
The historical significance of the pre-Civil War era adds to the coin’s appeal. Additionally, as a lower mintage year for the series, the 1859 dime is more desirable than many other dates in the Seated Liberty series, particularly in higher grades.
