Price Guide for 1869 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: $39.13 – $408.00Uncirculated: $3.50 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $32.00 – $192.61Uncirculated: $2,247.00 – $2,637.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $10,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $357.00 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4.25 – $950.00Uncirculated: $4.10 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $532.00Uncirculated: $677.00 – $1,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,280.00 – $5,875.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $240.00 – $5,280.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $228.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00Uncirculated: $3,120.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $329.00 – $10,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $870.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,610.00 – $3,738.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $446.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1869 Dime
The 1869 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 a period of economic recovery following the Civil War, reflecting the nation’s gradual return to normalcy in the post-war era.
The Seated Liberty design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock and holding a shield, symbolized the strength and stability of the young republic. This iconic design was used on several denominations of U.S. coinage during this period.
| Weight | 2.49 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), 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 1869 Dime significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to the low mintage and the coin’s age, finding high-grade examples is extremely challenging.
Uncirculated specimens are exceptionally rare and command substantial premiums. Coins in AU (About Uncirculated) condition are also highly sought after. Even in lower grades, well-preserved examples with clear design details and minimal wear are desirable.
The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks or scratches can greatly enhance the coin’s value. Natural toning, if present, can also add to the coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and even.
Mintage: 450,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 450,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved examples
Strike quality is an important factor for 1869 Dimes. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable.
The San Francisco mint mark can add a slight premium, as Western coins are often more challenging to find in high grades due to extensive circulation.
Die varieties, while not common for this year, can add interest and value for specialized collectors. Any mint errors or unusual characteristics would be highly prized due to the coin’s overall rarity.
The historical significance of the coin, minted just a few years after the Civil War, adds to its appeal among collectors of 19th-century American coinage.
