1868 Half Dime Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1868 Half Dime Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1868 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.

1868 Half Dime (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $32.00 - $517.00

  Uncirculated: $449.00 - $13,200.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $160.50 - $595.00

  Uncirculated: $481.00 - $570.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $50.00 - $800.00

  Uncirculated: $850.00 - $13,250.00

More Detail

1868-S Half Dime (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1.25 - $516.00

  Uncirculated: $4.00 - $9,200.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $49.95 - $325.00

  Uncirculated: $300.00 - $1,781.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $25.00 - $475.00

  Uncirculated: $500.00 - $8,000.00

More Detail

1868 Half Dime (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $188.00 - $1,320.00

  Uncirculated: $3.65 - $5,463.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $256.00

  Uncirculated: $275.00 - $1,414.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $300.00 - $350.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $5,000.00

More Detail

1868 Half Dime, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $417.00 - $9,000.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $661.00 - $2,366.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $800.00 - $12,500.00

More Detail

1868 Half Dime, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,175.00 - $11,162.50
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,250.00 - $12,500.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1868 Half Dime

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1868 Half Dime significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, especially those with strong luster and minimal contact marks, command substantial premiums. The San Francisco mint coins are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintage and generally poorer preservation.

Strike quality is an important factor, as many coins from this era can suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the central design elements. Coins with full, sharp details are highly sought after. Original toning can also enhance a coin's desirability, with coins displaying attractive, natural color patterns being especially prized by collectors.

Several factors can influence the value of an 1868 Half Dime beyond its basic rarity and condition:

1. Mint mark rarity: The San Francisco (S) mint coins are significantly rarer and more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts.

2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, subtle die differences can be of interest to specialized collectors.

3. Historical significance: As a coin minted during the Reconstruction era, it holds appeal for collectors interested in Civil War and post-war American history.

4. Set completion: The 1868 Half Dime is an important date for collectors assembling complete sets of Seated Liberty coinage, driving demand for high-grade examples.