Price Guide for 1864 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: $161.00 – $1,527.50Uncirculated: $633.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $535.00 – $1,295.00Uncirculated: $1,411.00 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $1,700.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.75 – $1,586.25Uncirculated: $546.00 – $11,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $77.00 – $795.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $282.00 – $1,155.00Uncirculated: $13.35 – $9,900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $417.00 – $775.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,325.90 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $9,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1864 Half Dime
The 1864 Half Dime was minted during the American Civil War, a time of great economic uncertainty. The Seated Liberty design had been in use since 1837 and would continue until 1873. This coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce, despite the ongoing conflict affecting the nation’s economy and coin production.
| 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, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1864 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to the low mintage and the fact that many were heavily circulated during the Civil War, high-grade examples are extremely rare. Coins in Mint State conditions, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many coins from this era suffer from weak strikes. Well-struck examples with full details are highly sought after. Original luster and attractive natural toning can also greatly enhance the value and desirability of these coins.
Mintage: 48,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely known
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and Civil War date
Mintage: 90,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely known
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and Civil War date
The 1864 Half Dime derives additional value from its Civil War context. Collectors of Civil War era coins often seek examples from each year of the conflict, increasing demand for this date. The low mintages for both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues make this a key date for the series.
Provenance can also play a role in value, particularly for high-grade examples. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command significant premiums. Additionally, any die varieties or mint errors, while not widely known for this date, could potentially add substantial value if discovered.
