1845 Seated Liberty Dime Value: Price Guide & Grading
1845 Seated Liberty Dime values: $20-$12,500 (P), $75-$275,000 (O), $13,000-$97,500 (Proof). Complete price guide, varieties, and authentication tips.
The 1845 Seated Liberty Dime value ranges from $20 to $275,000 depending on mint and condition.
- 1845 Philadelphia (common date): $20 (G-4) to $12,500 (MS-67)
- 1845-O New Orleans (semi-key): $75 (G-4) to $275,000 (MS-69)
- 1845 Proof (major rarity): $13,000 (PR-61) to $97,500 (PR-67)
- Mint State rarity: 1845-O nearly impossible above AU-58
The New Orleans issue's 230,000 mintage makes it the rarest O-mint dime of the 1840s, with values escalating dramatically in higher grades.
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1845 Seated Liberty Dime: A Study in Rarity Contrasts
1845 Seated Liberty Dime showing obverse with seated Liberty figure and reverse with wreath design
The 1845 Seated Liberty Dime represents one of numismatics' most dramatic studies in rarity contrast. Struck at two mints—Philadelphia and New Orleans—this single year offers collectors everything from an accessible type coin to one of the series' greatest rarities. The Philadelphia issue's 1.75 million mintage makes it widely available and affordable, while the New Orleans facility's mere 230,000 pieces created the rarest O-mint dime of the entire 1840s decade.
Adding to this year's allure, the Philadelphia Mint produced an estimated 10 Proof specimens for presentation purposes, of which only 5-6 are believed to survive today. All 1845 issues belong to the Type 3 "Stars Obverse, with Drapery" design, conceived by Christian Gobrecht and modified by Robert Ball Hughes. This comprehensive guide examines the specifications, market values, die varieties, and authentication considerations for all three 1845 issues.
How to Identify Your 1845 Seated Liberty Dime
O mint mark location on reverse, inside wreath below bow
The 1845 Seated Liberty Dime features Christian Gobrecht's iconic design showing Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a liberty pole with cap in her right. Thirteen stars surround the figure, with the date 1845 below. The reverse displays a wreath encircling the denomination "ONE DIME," with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the outer rim. The coin measures 17.9 mm in diameter, weighs 2.67 grams, and has a reeded edge.
Mint Mark Location: The mint mark appears on the reverse, inside the wreath just below the bow knot. Philadelphia issues bear no mint mark, while New Orleans coins display a small "O." The presence or absence of this mintmark creates a dramatic value difference—an 1845-P in G-4 grade sells for around $20, while an 1845-O in the same grade commands approximately $75, nearly four times the premium.
Design Diagnostics: All 1845 issues belong to the "With Drapery" subtype, identifiable by the drapery fold visible at Liberty's elbow. The obverse shows Liberty's right hand resting on the shield's top, with her left hand supporting the liberty pole. The shield displays seven vertical stripes with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed horizontally across its center. On the reverse, the wreath consists of various agricultural products including corn, wheat, maple, and oak branches, tied at the bottom with a ribbon bow.
Strike Quality: Philadelphia strikes generally exhibit sharp details throughout, though some examples show minor weakness in the lower reverse wreath directly opposite Liberty's high points. New Orleans strikes are notoriously inconsistent, with many examples displaying weak details on Liberty's head, the shield's upper portions, and the reverse wreath's lower elements. This strike weakness is a mint characteristic, not circulation wear, and should be distinguished when grading.
1845 Seated Liberty Dime Price Guide
💡 Understanding the Price Structure
The 1845 dime market divides sharply by mint of origin. The Philadelphia issue serves as an affordable type coin, while the New Orleans issue presents a significant acquisition challenge. Prices reflect data from PCGS and NGC as of October 2025, supplemented by recent auction records.
1845-P (left) with no mint mark vs 1845-O (right) with O mint mark
1845 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
With 1,755,000 pieces struck, the 1845 Philadelphia dime is one of the most accessible dates in the series. It serves as an ideal type coin for collectors assembling representative sets of U.S. coin designs. The issue is readily available through the AU grades, becomes scarce in low Mint State, and is genuinely rare in Gem MS-65 or higher condition. PCGS population data indicates only two examples have been certified MS-67 or finer, making superb specimens highly coveted.
| Grade | PCGS Price | NGC Price | Recent Auction |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $30 | $20 | — |
| VG-8 | $40 | $25 | — |
| F-12 | $50 | $35 | — |
| VF-20 | $75 | $50 | $99 (HA, Apr 2023) |
| EF-40 | $150 | $100 | — |
| AU-50 | $250 | $160 | $114 (HA, Dec 2018) |
| AU-55 | $350 | $260 | $264 (HA, Dec 2018) |
| AU-58 | $400 | $295 | $264 (SB, Nov 2024) |
| MS-62 | $625 | $560 | $432 (HA, Oct 2017) |
| MS-63 | $800 | $860 | $528 (HA, Feb 2020) |
| MS-64 | $1,450 | $1,250 | $1,020 (SB, Nov 2022) |
| MS-65 | $3,750 | $3,250 | $1,620 (HA, Jan 2023) |
| MS-66 | $5,500 | $6,000 | $4,080 (HA, Aug 2022) |
| MS-67 | $12,500 | $11,250 | — |
1845-O New Orleans (O Mint Mark)
The 1845-O is the recognized semi-key date of the Seated Liberty dime series. Its scant 230,000-piece mintage makes it the rarest O-mint issue of the entire 1840s decade. While obtainable with patience in lower circulated grades, the coin becomes decidedly scarce in Very Fine and is genuinely rare in About Uncirculated. Mint State specimens are of the highest rarity, with both major grading services having certified only a handful of examples in total.
The legendary MS-69 specimen, with provenance to the 19th-century Matthew Stickney collection, represents the finest known and realized $123,376 at Heritage's May 2015 auction. The market exhibits a dramatic "condition cliff" at the AU/MS transition—values jump from approximately $8,500 in AU-58 to over $30,000 in MS-62, reflecting the extreme rarity of preserved examples.
Grade comparison showing wear progression from Good-4 to Mint State-64
| Grade | PCGS Price | NGC Price | Recent Auction |
|---|---|---|---|
| AG-3 | $115 | — | $109 (eBay) |
| G-4 | $150 | $75 | $115 (eBay) |
| VG-8 | $250 | $125 | $132 (HA, Jan 2021) |
| F-12 | $375 | $165 | $252 (HA, Mar 2022) |
| VF-20 | $650 | $625 | $492 (HA, Jun 2023) |
| EF-40 | $1,750 | $1,400 | $1,380 (SB, Aug 2024) |
| AU-50 | $3,500 | $2,300 | $3,250 (eBay) |
| AU-53 | $4,250 | $3,350 | $3,120 (SB, Mar 2021) |
| AU-58 | $8,500 | $5,750 | — |
| MS-62 | $32,500 | $27,500 | $25,200 (HA, Feb 2023) |
| MS-63 | $75,000 | — | $58,750 (LM, Sep 2018) |
| MS-69 | $275,000 | $165,000 | $123,376 (HA, May 2015) |
1845 Proof (Philadelphia)
The 1845 Proof dime represents one of the series' greatest rarities. With an estimated original mintage of only 10 pieces and a surviving population of perhaps 5-6 examples, these special strikes were produced from unique dies not used for business strike production. Key diagnostic features include deeply mirrored, reflective fields contrasted with sharply struck, frosted design elements creating a cameo appearance. A crucial attribution marker is visible repunching on the "45" of the date on the obverse die.
Given their extreme rarity, 1845 Proofs seldom appear at auction and command strong five-figure prices across all grade levels. NGC's April 2019 price guide provides valuations ranging from $13,000 for PR-61 to $97,500 for PR-67. Notable auction records include an NGC PR-67 specimen that realized $40,250 at Heritage in January 2008, and an NGC PR-66 that brought $30,550 at Heritage in May 2015.
| Grade | NGC Price Guide |
|---|---|
| PR-61 | $13,000 |
| PR-64 | $26,500 |
| PR-66 | $40,000 |
| PR-67 | $97,500 |
Grading Your 1845 Seated Liberty Dime
Key wear points: Liberty's head, breast, knee, and LIBERTY shield letters
Accurately grading Seated Liberty coinage requires distinguishing between circulation wear and strike weakness—a common challenge with this series. The first areas to show wear are the highest points of the design: on the obverse, Liberty's head, breast, and knee, along with the letters in LIBERTY on the shield; on the reverse, the bow knot and the edges of the wreath leaves.
Good-4 (G-4): The date and major design elements are visible but show heavy wear. Liberty's figure is outlined but largely flat, with most internal details worn smooth. On the shield, the word LIBERTY is partially or completely worn away—only fragments of letters may remain. The reverse wreath shows as an outline with minimal leaf detail. Rims are worn but still separate most devices from the edge.
Very Fine-20 (VF-20): This is a critical grade benchmark. All seven letters in LIBERTY must be complete and visible on the shield, though they may be weak. Liberty shows moderate wear with about half of the original design detail remaining. Her head, breast, and knee exhibit clear definition but show obvious friction. The drapery fold at her elbow is distinct. On the reverse, individual leaves in the wreath are separable with moderate detail visible. The bow shows wear on its high points but retains good definition.
About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): Light wear is visible on the highest points—Liberty's head, breast, knee, and the tops of the shield letters. Traces of original mint luster remain in protected areas, particularly in the field around the stars and within the letters. The reverse bow knot shows slight friction, and the wreath's highest leaf edges exhibit minimal wear. At least 50% of the original luster should be present overall.
Mint State-63 (MS-63): No wear is present—all high points retain sharp, complete details with full original luster intact. However, the coin may display noticeable contact marks, particularly in the obverse field or on Liberty's figure. These marks are the result of bag handling and transportation, not circulation. Strike quality becomes increasingly important at this level; a weakly struck MS-63 may show less detail than a sharply struck AU-58, making authentication of grade crucial.
💡 Strike Weakness vs. Wear
New Orleans strikes often show weak details on Liberty's head and shield, and the lower reverse wreath. A weakly struck area appears flat but retains original mint luster. Circulation wear removes metal and destroys luster, leaving a smooth, dull surface. An uncirculated coin can have a weak strike—it's the presence or absence of luster and friction that determines if a coin has circulated.
Mint State-65 and Higher (MS-65+): These Gem specimens exhibit full, blazing mint luster with strong eye appeal. Contact marks are minimal and confined to inconspicuous areas. Strike quality should be exceptional, with full details visible throughout both sides. At the MS-66 level and above, even minor imperfections become significant detractions, and such coins command substantial premiums due to their rarity in the series.
1845 Seated Liberty Dime Die Varieties
F-102a variety showing repunched date with doubling on digits
Die varieties for Seated Liberty dimes are cataloged using the Fortin attribution system, which assigns "F-numbers" to distinct die marriages. While dozens of varieties exist across the series, most carry little premium outside specialist circles. However, documenting these varieties provides insight into 19th-century minting practices and die preparation techniques.
Philadelphia Mint Varieties (1845)
PCGS recognizes at least fifteen die varieties for the 1845 Philadelphia issue. The most commonly encountered include several repunched date varieties and coins struck from dies exhibiting various stages of cracking:
F-102a (Repunched Date): Features minor doubling visible on the date digits, particularly on the "45." This variety results from the date punch being applied to the die multiple times in slightly different positions. While interesting to specialists, no reliable public pricing premium exists.
F-103 (RPD): Another repunched date variety, often cataloged by NGC's VarietyPlus attribution service. Similar to F-102a, this variety shows evidence of multiple date punchings.
F-105 (Very High Date): The date is positioned unusually high on the obverse, closer than normal to Liberty's base. This obverse is paired with a reverse showing a faint die crack running between the letters U and N in UNITED. This variety demonstrates how die positioning and die deterioration create collectible differences.
F-107 (Reverse Cracked): Notable for a prominent crack on the reverse die. As dies were used extensively, cracks would form and progress, creating distinct die states that specialists collect.
New Orleans Mint Varieties (1845-O)
The low-mintage 1845-O was produced from a single obverse die, initially thought to be paired with a single reverse die. Research has since identified several distinct die states and at least one significant reverse die variety:
F-101 (Large Thin O) - Rarity R-4: This is the most common 1845-O variety. The obverse shows a relatively high date placement and evidence of die rust around Liberty's figure—a characteristic of the humid New Orleans environment. The reverse features a large but thinly impressed "O" mintmark. R-4 rarity indicates an estimated 76-200 known examples.
F-101a (Late Die State) - Rarity R-4: A later state of the F-101 dies showing evidence of die polishing on both obverse and reverse, likely performed to extend die life. A clear die crack has formed on the reverse, running from the rim to the letters AME in AMERICA.
F-101b (Large Thick O / "Huge O") - Rarity R-5: This distinct and scarcer variety features a noticeably large and bold "O" mintmark, recognized by NGC as the "HUGE O" variety. The R-5 rarity rating indicates an estimated 31-75 known examples, suggesting a notable premium over the more common F-101, particularly in higher grades.
F-101c (Rotated Reverse) - Rarity R-5: A scarce variety where the reverse die was installed with a significant 25-degree counter-clockwise rotation relative to the obverse die. This misalignment occurred during die installation and creates a visually distinctive appearance when the coin is rotated on its vertical axis.
⚠️ Variety Pricing
Specific pricing for most die varieties is not publicly available. The higher rarity ratings (R-5) for varieties like the F-101b "Huge O" and F-101c "Rotated Reverse" suggest they would command notable premiums over the common F-101 (R-4), particularly in higher grades where collector competition is most intense. Consult specialist references or auction archives for current market values.
1845 Seated Liberty Dime Mint Errors
Major die break (CUD) creating raised unstruck area at reverse rim
While major mint errors from the 1840s are relatively rare compared to modern coinage, several documented examples exist for the 1845 Seated Liberty Dime. The value of an error coin depends heavily on the type and severity of the error, the coin's underlying grade, and overall eye appeal. Dramatic errors on the already-scarce 1845-O would command particularly strong premiums.
Reverse CUD: At least one example of an 1845 dime is documented with a major die break known as a CUD, located at the 6:00 position on the reverse. A CUD occurs when a piece of the die breaks away, typically at the rim, causing the metal to flow into that void during striking. This creates a raised, unstruck area of metal—essentially a blob extending from the rim into the design. For an 1845 dime, a significant retained CUD could add a premium of $75 to $200 depending on its size and the coin's grade.
Repunched Date Errors: Beyond the intentional die variety repunched dates cataloged by Fortin, at least one example has been noted with what is described as a doubled or tripled "184" in the date. This represents either a more dramatic repunched date or possibly a doubled die, where the entire hub impression was applied multiple times to the working die. Such errors are of interest to specialists but lack established pricing without auction comparables.
Off-Center Strikes: Coins struck when the planchet is not properly centered between the dies show part of the design missing and a curved blank area. For Seated Liberty dimes, a minor off-center strike of 10-20% with the date fully visible might add $50 to $150 in premium. A dramatic off-center of 50% or more would be significantly rarer and could command $300 to $500 or more, especially on an 1845-O where the base coin already carries substantial value.
Broadstrikes: These errors occur when the coin is struck without the restraining collar that normally holds the planchet in place and imparts the reeded edge. The result is a wider-than-normal coin with a plain, undecorated edge. For an 1845 dime, this error could add $40 to $100 to the coin's value, depending on the degree of spreading and overall eye appeal.
Lamination Errors: The planchets used in the 1840s were produced by rolling silver ingots into sheets and then punching out blanks. If impurities were present or the metal was improperly annealed, the surface could flake or peel—a lamination error. Minor laminations might add $20 to $40, while a dramatic peel showing the coin's inner layers could be worth over $100 to an error specialist.
💡 Error Rarity Note
Major errors on 1840s silver coinage are considerably rarer than on modern issues due to lower production speeds and more careful quality control at the coining press. Any significant error on an 1845-O, given the issue's already substantial rarity, would be a significant numismatic prize.
Authentication and Counterfeit Detection
Left: cleaned coin with hairlines and dull luster; Right: original uncleaned coin with natural luster
Given the substantial values commanded by 1845-O dimes in higher grades and any 1845 Proof, authentication is paramount. Counterfeiters target valuable dates, and the unwary collector faces the risk of purchasing altered or completely fabricated coins.
Physical Specifications: Begin by verifying the coin's weight and diameter. A genuine 1845 dime should weigh 2.67 grams (41.25 grains) and measure 17.9 mm in diameter. Use a precision scale accurate to 0.01 grams and a quality digital caliper. Significant deviations from these standards are primary indicators of a counterfeit. Be aware that a coin worn from circulation or one that has been mounted in jewelry may weigh slightly less.
Mintmark Examination: For the 1845-O, the "O" mintmark is located on the reverse inside the wreath, just below the bow. Its size, shape, and position should be carefully compared to images of known genuine examples in references such as the Fortin variety guide. Counterfeiters often struggle to replicate mintmarks correctly—they may be too large, too small, improperly shaped, or positioned incorrectly. Some counterfeiters attempt to add an "O" mintmark to a more common Philadelphia coin, creating a false 1845-O. Under magnification, an added mintmark will show evidence of disturbance in the surrounding field, such as raised metal displaced by the punch or a different surface texture.
Surface and Detail Analysis: Authentic coins exhibit sharp, well-defined details assuming a decent strike. Counterfeits, particularly cast copies made from molds, often display mushy or soft details, a porous or pimpled surface texture, or a fine seam around the edge where the mold halves met. Examine the denticles (the tooth-like projections around the rim) under magnification—on genuine coins, they are distinct and evenly spaced, while on many fakes, they appear uneven, malformed, or blob-like. The surfaces of genuine silver coins, even when worn, have a characteristic look under magnification showing flow lines from the striking process. Cast counterfeits lack these and instead show a granular texture from the casting process.
Professional Certification: For any 1845-O in AU or higher grades, or any purported 1845 Proof, third-party certification by PCGS or NGC is mandatory. These services employ expert authenticators with access to extensive reference collections, advanced imaging technology, and detailed knowledge of known counterfeits. Their opinion provides market confidence and protects your investment. While certification has a cost (typically $20-$50 per coin for standard service), it is negligible insurance against purchasing a clever counterfeit worth only its metal content.
Preserving Your 1845 Seated Liberty Dime
Proper storage and handling are crucial to preserving a rare coin's condition and value. Silver is relatively stable but can tarnish or develop undesirable toning if exposed to sulfur compounds, high humidity, or certain plastics.
Environmental Control: Store your coins in a dark, cool, and dry environment. The ideal conditions are a stable temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and relative humidity below 50%. These conditions inhibit the chemical reactions that cause toning and, in extreme cases, corrosion. Avoid storage in basements prone to dampness or attics subject to temperature extremes. A bank safe deposit box provides excellent security and stable conditions.
Archival-Quality Holders: Coins should be housed in holders made from inert materials. For uncertified ("raw") coins, use Mylar (polyester) flips or rigid acrylic capsules specifically sold for numismatic storage. Avoid any holders containing Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), commonly found in older "soft" plastic flips. PVC degrades over time and leaves a green, oily residue on coins that causes permanent damage. If you suspect PVC contamination (indicated by a green film or oily feel), remove the coin immediately and place it in a non-PVC holder. The sealed holders ("slabs") from PCGS and NGC provide excellent long-term protection and have the added benefit of displaying the coin's certified grade.
Proper Handling: When you must handle a coin, always hold it by its edges, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Wear soft, lint-free cotton gloves to prevent the transfer of oils, salts, and acids from your skin to the coin's delicate surfaces. Even a brief touch with bare fingers can leave a fingerprint that develops into a permanent toning spot over months or years. The best practice is to minimize handling altogether—enjoy your coins in their holders, using a magnifying glass or loupe for close examination.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
Do not attempt to clean, polish, or "improve" a coin's appearance. Cleaning destroys the original mint luster and surface, dramatically reducing numismatic value. Even problem coins are worth more in original, uncleaned condition. If you believe a coin needs conservation, consult a professional service such as NCS (Numismatic Conservation Services).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1845 Seated Liberty Dime worth?
The value depends entirely on the mint of origin and condition. An 1845 Philadelphia dime ranges from $20 in Good-4 to $12,500 in MS-67. The scarcer 1845-O ranges from $75 in Good-4 to $275,000 for the unique MS-69 specimen. Proof examples start at $13,000 and reach $97,500 in PR-67. For an accurate valuation, identify the mint mark (or its absence), determine the grade, and consult current price guides or have the coin evaluated by a professional dealer or grading service.
How do I identify the mint mark on my 1845 dime?
The mint mark appears on the reverse (tails side) of the coin, located inside the wreath just below the bow knot that ties the wreath together. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark—the area below the bow is blank. New Orleans coins display a small letter "O" in this location. Use a magnifying glass or loupe to examine this area carefully, as the mintmark can be small and faint on some examples, particularly if the coin is heavily worn.
What makes the 1845-O dime so valuable?
The 1845-O's value stems from its low mintage of only 230,000 pieces, making it the rarest O-mint dime of the entire 1840s decade. While tens of thousands likely entered circulation, very few were preserved in high grades. The survival rate in Mint State is extremely low—both PCGS and NGC have certified only a handful of uncirculated examples. This combination of low original mintage and poor high-grade survival creates strong collector demand that drives prices into five and six figures for the finest specimens.
Should I get my 1845 dime professionally graded?
For any 1845-O in Very Fine or better condition, or any 1845 Philadelphia dime in AU or higher, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is highly recommended. The cost of certification (typically $20-$50 for standard service) is justified by the authentication guarantee and the market premium that certified coins command. Buyers are willing to pay more for coins in authenticated, tamper-evident holders because it eliminates concerns about grade accuracy and authenticity. For common-date, heavily worn examples worth under $50, certification costs may exceed the coin's value.
Are cleaned 1845 dimes worth anything?
Cleaned coins have their numismatic value substantially reduced but are still worth more than their silver melt value, particularly for the scarce 1845-O. Grading services will designate cleaned coins as "Details" or "Genuine" rather than assigning a numeric grade, and such coins typically trade at 30-60% of the value of problem-free examples in comparable wear. Heavily worn, cleaned common-date examples may sell for only slightly above the melt value of approximately $3.74. Never clean a coin yourself—it irreversibly damages the surface and reduces value.
What is the silver melt value of an 1845 dime?
The 1845 Seated Liberty Dime contains 0.0773 troy ounces of pure silver. At a silver spot price of $48.36 per troy ounce (as of late October 2025), the melt value is approximately $3.74. However, this is a theoretical floor value only—even problem coins in the lowest collectible grades trade well above melt. The numismatic value driven by collector demand far exceeds intrinsic metal value for any 1845 dime in collectible condition.
How can I tell if my 1845 dime is a Proof?
Proof coins have deeply mirrored, reflective fields that contrast with sharply struck, frosted design elements, creating a cameo appearance. They were struck with specially prepared dies and planchets. The 1845 Proof is extraordinarily rare with only 5-6 examples believed to exist. Key diagnostics include the reflective fields, superior strike sharpness, and visible repunching on the "45" of the date. Given their rarity and value, any suspected Proof should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for authentication—these services have extensive knowledge of genuine Proofs and can distinguish them from Prooflike business strikes or counterfeits.
What are the most valuable 1845 dime varieties?
Most die varieties carry minimal premium, but for the 1845-O, the scarcer F-101b "Huge O" (R-5 rarity) and F-101c "Rotated Reverse" (R-5 rarity) would command notable premiums over the common F-101 variety (R-4 rarity), particularly in higher grades. For Philadelphia issues, repunched date varieties like F-102a and F-103 are documented but lack established pricing premiums. The market for varieties is specialist-driven, and you should consult attribution experts or auction archives for current values.
Notable Auction Results
Auction records provide insight into the strong collector demand for 1845 Seated Liberty Dimes, particularly for high-grade examples and the rare New Orleans issue. The following results represent recent realized prices and demonstrate market trends.
1845-O Highlights: The legendary MS-69 PCGS specimen, finest known with provenance to the Matthew Stickney collection, realized $123,376 at Heritage Auctions in May 2015. This represents the pinnacle of 1845-O rarity. An MS-63 PCGS example brought $58,750 at Legend Auctions in September 2018, while an MS-62 PCGS specimen sold for $25,200 at Heritage in February 2023. These results confirm the dramatic value escalation in Mint State.
In About Uncirculated grades, an AU-53 PCGS coin realized $3,120 at Stack's Bowers in March 2021, and an EF-40 PCGS specimen brought $1,380 at Stack's Bowers in August 2024. Even in lower grades, the issue commands strong premiums: a VF-20 PCGS example sold for $492 at Heritage in June 2023, and an F-12 PCGS specimen realized $252 at Heritage in March 2022.
1845 Philadelphia Results: High-grade Philadelphia dimes show healthy demand. An MS-66 PCGS coin realized $4,080 at Heritage in August 2022, while an MS-65 NGC specimen brought $1,620 at Heritage in January 2023. An MS-64 PCGS example sold for $1,020 at Stack's Bowers in November 2022. In About Uncirculated grades, an AU-58 PCGS specimen realized $264 at Stack's Bowers in November 2024.
1845 Proof Records: An NGC PR-67 specimen brought $40,250 at Heritage in January 2008, while an NGC PR-66 realized $30,550 at Heritage in May 2015. Given the tiny surviving population of 5-6 pieces, any appearance of a genuine 1845 Proof at auction generates intense bidding among advanced collectors.
Research Methodology and Sources
This guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative sources to provide accurate, comprehensive information on 1845 Seated Liberty Dimes. Price data is drawn from PCGS and NGC price guides as of October 2025, supplemented by verified auction records from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and Legend Numismatics. Population data comes from PCGS and NGC census reports, which track all coins certified by these services.
Die variety information is based on the Fortin attribution system, the standard reference for Seated Liberty dime varieties. Specifications and historical details are sourced from scholarly references including the Liberty Seated Dime website and numismatic literature. All external sources consulted are cited in the reference list.
Market Fluctuations: Coin values fluctuate based on precious metal prices, collector demand, and the availability of high-grade specimens. The values presented here represent typical market prices as of late 2025 but should be verified for any specific transaction. Melt value calculations are based on a silver spot price of $48.36 per troy ounce as of October 30, 2025, and will vary with daily commodities markets. For the most current values, consult real-time price guides or seek a professional appraisal from a reputable dealer or auction house.
