1851 Half Dime Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1851 Half Dime Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1851 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.

1851 Half Dime (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $2.00 - $823.00

  Uncirculated: $2.50 - $16,800.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $55.00 - $250.00

  Uncirculated: $230.30 - $450.59
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $30.00 - $275.00

  Uncirculated: $300.00 - $15,000.00

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1851-O Half Dime (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $23.00 - $550.00

  Uncirculated: $1.20 - $13,200.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $31.50 - $275.00

  Uncirculated: $531.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $25.00 - $550.00

  Uncirculated: $650.00 - $15,000.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1851 Half Dime

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1851 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Due to their small size and extensive circulation, many specimens show considerable wear. Well-preserved examples in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

Coins with original mint luster and minimal contact marks command premium prices. The presence of attractive, natural toning can also increase desirability among collectors, particularly for the New Orleans mint issues.

Strike quality is an important factor for 1851 Half Dimes. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty's head and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable. The New Orleans mint issues often have weaker strikes, making well-struck examples particularly desirable.

Die state can also affect value, with early die state coins typically being more desirable due to their sharper details. Collectors also pay attention to the quality of the coin's surfaces, preferring pieces free from significant marks or scratches.

While not particularly rare as a date, the 1851 Half Dime becomes increasingly scarce in higher grades, especially for the New Orleans mint. This scarcity in high grades drives up prices for well-preserved specimens, making them attractive to advanced collectors and investors.