Price Guide for 1839 Half Dime Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1839 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.

1839 Half Dime No Drapery (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $18.00 - $384.00
    Uncirculated: $1.80 - $12,650.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $22.50 - $850.00
    Uncirculated: $255.00 - $1,240.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00 - $475.00
    Uncirculated: $500.00 - $11,500.00

1839-O Half Dime (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $0.90 - $4,773.00
    Uncirculated: $2.50 - $18,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $43.00 - $899.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00 - $1,450.00
    Uncirculated: $1,650.00 - $22,500.00

1839 Half Dime No Drapery (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $12,100.00 - $33,350.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00

1839-O Half Dime Large O, FS-501 (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $395.00 - $425.74

1839 Half Dime No Drapery, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $24,000.00 - $55,812.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $65,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1839 Half Dime

The 1839 Half Dime marks a significant transition in American coinage. It was the first year of the Seated Liberty design for half dimes, replacing the Capped Bust design. This new design, created by Christian Gobrecht, would continue with minor modifications until 1873. The year 1839 is particularly notable as it saw the introduction of the New Orleans Mint for half dime production, expanding the coin's minting beyond Philadelphia for the first time.

Weight 1.34 grams
Diameter 15.5 mm
Mint Marks Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O)
Composition 90% silver, 10% copper
Obverse Design Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Wreath surrounding the words 'HALF DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1839 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. These coins often saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples particularly valuable. Uncirculated specimens, especially those grading MS65 or higher, are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.

For Philadelphia issues, the No Drapery and With Drapery varieties add an extra layer of collectibility, with the No Drapery being scarcer. The New Orleans issues are generally more valuable due to their historical significance and lower survival rate in high grades.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 1,069,150

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: No Drapery and With Drapery varieties

Market Demand: High, due to first year of type and historical significance

New Orleans, O

Mintage: 1,000,000

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None notable

Market Demand: High, due to first year of New Orleans Mint and historical significance

Strike quality is a crucial factor for 1839 Half Dimes. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty's head and the wreath command premium prices. Original luster is highly prized, especially on Philadelphia issues.

Toning can significantly affect value, with coins displaying attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium. The historical significance of the 1839 Half Dime, being the first year of the Seated Liberty design and the first year of New Orleans Mint production, adds to its appeal and value among collectors and numismatists.

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