Price Guide for 1868 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: $20.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $28,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.00 – $565.00Uncirculated: $641.00 – $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $0.75 – $3,080.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $61.00 – $590.00Uncirculated: $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $282.00 – $747.00Uncirculated: $1.70 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $355.01 – $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,480.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $149.00
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eBayCirculated: $114.75
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $576.00Uncirculated: $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00Uncirculated: $8,225.00 – $8,812.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $386.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $576.88 – $3,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,265.00 – $17,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $381.88 – $3,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $2,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Dime
The 1868 Seated Liberty Dime was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This coin was minted during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the stability and strength of the nation during this tumultuous period.
| Weight | 2.49 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | S (San Francisco), P (Philadelphia, no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1868 Dime significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to the low mintage figures for both Philadelphia and San Francisco issues, well-preserved specimens are particularly valuable.
Uncirculated examples with original mint luster are extremely rare and highly sought after. Coins in MS65 or higher grades command substantial premiums. Even in circulated conditions, coins with clear design details and minimal wear are desirable.
The presence of original toning can also enhance the value, particularly if it’s attractive and natural. Conversely, cleaning or other forms of mishandling can significantly decrease the coin’s value.
Mintage: 464,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 260,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1868 Dimes. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable. The San Francisco mintage is particularly prone to weak strikes, making strong examples even more desirable.
The historical significance of the coin, minted during the Reconstruction era, adds to its appeal among collectors of 19th-century American coinage. Additionally, as a key date for both mint locations, the 1868 Dime is an important coin for collectors attempting to complete Seated Liberty Dime sets.
The overall rarity of high-grade examples, combined with steady demand from both type collectors and series specialists, ensures that well-preserved 1868 Dimes remain valuable and sought-after in the numismatic market.
