Price Guide for 1878 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: $28.00 – $144.00Uncirculated: $109.00 – $24,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $32.00 – $104.45Uncirculated: $150.00 – $1,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $1,527.50Uncirculated: $6.75 – $21,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.99 – $1,463.78Uncirculated: $981.36 – $3,199.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $352.50Uncirculated: $1.35 – $4,290.00
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eBayUncirculated: $350.00 – $2,585.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $4,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,849.00 – $3,235.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $4,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,920.00 – $8,338.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,760.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,250.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $2,300.00 – $13,512.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $552.00 – $881.25Uncirculated: $7,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $275.00 – $5,606.00
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eBayUncirculated: $425.00 – $2,690.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,610.00 – $4,230.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,410.00 – $2,640.00
Design and Specifications of the 1878 Dime
The 1878 Seated Liberty Dime was part of the long-running Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1891. This year is particularly significant as it marks the last year of production for the Carson City Mint for this denomination until 1891. The coin’s design, featuring Liberty seated on a rock, symbolized the nation’s strength and stability during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1873.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | CC, 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 1878 Seated Liberty Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is crucial for these coins, as weak strikes can affect the details on Liberty’s head and the wreath on the reverse. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, natural toning can fetch higher prices. Conversely, cleaned or damaged coins are significantly less valuable.
Mintage: 200,000
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: 140,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
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
Mintmark rarity plays a significant role in the value of 1878 dimes. The Carson City (CC) mintmark is particularly desirable due to its lower mintage and the mint’s historical significance. The San Francisco (S) mintmark is also valuable due to its low mintage.
Die varieties, while not common for this year, can add value if discovered. Collectors also pay attention to the sharpness of details on Liberty’s head, the shield, and the reverse wreath. Prooflike surfaces, occasionally found on early strikes, can significantly increase a coin’s value.
The historical context of 1878, being the last year of dime production at Carson City until 1891, adds to the coin’s appeal among collectors and historians.
