Price Guide for 1856 Half Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1856 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.
1856 Half Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 - $646.00Uncirculated: $0.75 - $26,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.99 - $212.00Uncirculated: $117.50 - $1,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 - $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 - $22,500.00
1856-O Half Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 - $634.00Uncirculated: $2.35 - $10,868.75
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eBayCirculated: $36.00 - $635.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 - $550.00Uncirculated: $650.00 - $8,750.00
1856 Half Dime (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 - $24,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00 - $15,000.00
1856 Half Dime, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,840.00 - $18,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 - $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1856 Half Dime
The 1856 Half Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which began in 1837 and continued until 1873. This coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the mid-19th century, representing five cents in purchasing power. The year 1856 is significant as it marks the first year of production for the San Francisco Mint for this denomination, expanding the coin's distribution to the rapidly growing western United States during the California Gold Rush era.
| Weight | 1.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 an 1856 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. Circulation strikes, especially from New Orleans and San Francisco, are rarely found in high grades due to extensive circulation and the coin's small size, which made it prone to wear.
Uncirculated examples with full luster and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums. The presence of attractive toning can further enhance the value, particularly for the San Francisco issue.
Mintage: 4,880,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,100,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 211,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and low mintage
Strike quality is an important factor for 1856 Half Dimes. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty's head and hand, as well as sharp definition in the wreath on the reverse, are highly sought after.
The San Francisco issue is particularly valuable due to its historical significance as the first year of production and its low mintage. Even in lower grades, this issue commands a premium.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add interest and value for specialized collectors. Collectors should be aware of potential counterfeit San Francisco issues due to their higher value.
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