Price Guide for 1859 Half Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1859 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.
1859 Half Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $33.00 - $408.00Uncirculated: $1.75 - $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 - $197.50Uncirculated: $187.00 - $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 - $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 - $33,500.00
1859-O Half Dime (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.35 - $660.00Uncirculated: $2.75 - $8,520.00
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eBayCirculated: $55.00 - $502.51Uncirculated: $400.00 - $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 - $525.00Uncirculated: $550.00 - $12,500.00
1859 Half Dime (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,265.00 - $1,650.00Uncirculated: $2.35 - $46,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $533.00 - $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 - $30,000.00
1859 Half Dime, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $604.00 - $12,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 - $25,000.00
1859 Half Dime, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,325.00 - $19,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 - $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1859 Half Dime
The 1859 Half Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1837 to 1873. This design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a significant departure from earlier coin designs and represented a more mature artistic style in American coinage. The year 1859 saw continued production of this popular denomination, which played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the mid-19th century.
| Weight | 1.24 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 of cereals, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1859 Half Dimes significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly desirable and command substantial premiums. The presence of original luster and absence of significant contact marks are crucial factors in determining grade and value.
For the New Orleans mint coins, strike quality can be an issue, with many examples showing weakness in certain areas. Well-struck New Orleans specimens with full details are highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 340,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 560,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of 1859 Half Dimes. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The New Orleans mintage, being higher than Philadelphia, is generally more available, but high-grade examples are rarer due to poorer overall production quality and harsher circulation conditions in the South.
Collectors should be aware of potential die varieties, although major varieties are not common for this year. Any unusual die cracks, doubled dies, or repunched mint marks could potentially add value to a specimen.
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