Price Guide for 1863 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: $79.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $382.00 – $22,425.00
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eBayCirculated: $234.50 – $799.99Uncirculated: $810.77 – $1,395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.40 – $763.75Uncirculated: $600.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $61.01 – $650.00Uncirculated: $1,422.00 – $2,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207.00Uncirculated: $4.40 – $8,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $360.00 – $905.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $7,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $324.00 – $12,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $8,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1863 Half Dime
The 1863 Half Dime was minted during the American Civil War, a time of great national turmoil. This coin is part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. The design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and symbolized the nation’s stability during uncertain times.
| Weight | 1.24 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of laurel leaves surrounding the words 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1863 Half Dime’s value. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Mint State condition, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, command significant premiums.
For circulated examples, even small differences in grade can result in substantial price variations. Coins with original luster and minimal contact marks are especially desirable. The presence of attractive, natural toning can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 18,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 100,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant noted
Market Demand: Moderate to High, particularly for high-grade examples
Several factors can influence the value of an 1863 Half Dime:
1. Mintmark: The San Francisco (S) mint examples are generally more valuable than those from Philadelphia due to their lower survival rate.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the wreath, are more desirable.
3. Historical significance: As a Civil War-era coin, it holds additional appeal for history enthusiasts and Civil War collectors.
4. Preservation: Any coin surviving in high grades from this era is extremely rare and valuable due to the coin’s heavy circulation and the crude minting techniques of the time.
5. Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or other features may command a premium among specialists.
