1796 Half Dime Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1796 Half Dime Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1796 Half Dime 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.

1796 Half Dime Likerty (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $10.50 - $32,400.00

  Uncirculated: $90.00 - $411,250.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $750.00 - $13,500.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1,000.00 - $25,000.00

  Uncirculated: $27,500.00 - $500,000.00

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1796/5 Half Dime (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $810.00 - $20,700.00

  Uncirculated: $13,200.00 - $345,000.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $14,170.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1,000.00 - $32,500.00

  Uncirculated: $35,000.00 - $275,000.00

More Detail

1796/5 Half Dime LM-2 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,410.00 - $25,850.00

  Uncirculated: $12,000.00 - $45,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1,000.00 - $32,500.00

  Uncirculated: $35,000.00 - $275,000.00

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1796 Half Dime LM-1, Likerty (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $705.00 - $15,275.00

  Uncirculated: $13,000.00 - $58,750.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $1,455.00 - $2,895.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1,000.00 - $25,000.00

  Uncirculated: $27,500.00 - $500,000.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1796 Half Dime

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of the 1796 Half Dime has a dramatic impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are exceptionally rare and valuable. Coins in circulated conditions (Good to Very Fine) are still highly sought after, but those in About Uncirculated to Mint State grades can command premium prices.

The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas due to primitive minting techniques. Coins with strong, full strikes are especially desirable. Original luster, when present, significantly enhances value, as does attractive, natural toning.

Several factors can further increase the value of a 1796 Half Dime:

1. Die varieties: The LIKERTY variety, where LIBERTY is misspelled as LIKERTY on the obverse, is particularly valuable.

2. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can command a premium.

3. Original surfaces: Specimens that have avoided cleaning or other alterations are highly prized.

4. Early die state: Examples struck early in the die's life, showing sharp details, are more valuable.

5. Historical significance: As one of the earliest U.S. silver coins, it holds great appeal for collectors of early American history.