Price Guide for 1872 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: $15.00 – $793.13Uncirculated: $59.00 – $9,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.50 – $210.50Uncirculated: $88.00 – $661.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $9,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.10 – $329.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $8,913.00
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eBayCirculated: $57.00 – $216.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $1,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $22,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.60 – $264.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $215.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $431.00Uncirculated: $1.40 – $8,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $295.00 – $1,199.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $3,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.99 – $430.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $483.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $141.00 – $891.00Uncirculated: $109.00 – $1,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $202.09 – $229.00Uncirculated: $204.50 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $470.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $405.00 – $1,525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,116.25 – $16,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,250.00 – $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Half Dime
The 1872 Half Dime was part of the Seated Liberty series, which had been in production since 1837. This coin represented a crucial fraction of the dollar in daily commerce during the post-Civil War era. The half dime denomination was nearing the end of its production run, as it would be replaced by the nickel five-cent piece in 1873.
| 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 surrounding the denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1872 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) are particularly desirable and command substantial premiums. The San Francisco mint coins are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage and higher attrition rate.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1872 Half Dimes exhibit weakness in certain areas, particularly on the reverse wreath. Coins with full strike details are highly sought after. Luster is another crucial element, with coins retaining original mint luster being more valuable. Toning can also affect desirability, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 2,947,950
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among type set collectors
Mintage: 837,000
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 examples
Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1872 Half Dimes. As one of the last years of production for this denomination, it holds special interest for collectors. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly desirable due to their lower mintage and the general scarcity of well-preserved examples from this mint.
The overall rarity of high-grade specimens, especially for the San Francisco mint, adds to their value. Collectors often seek these coins for type sets representing the Seated Liberty design, which can increase demand for high-quality examples. Additionally, the silver content of these coins provides a base value, which can fluctuate with precious metal prices.
