Price Guide for 1870 Dime Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1870 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.

1870 Dime (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $32.00 - $1,175.00
    Uncirculated: $106.00 - $9,987.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $84.94 - $275.00
    Uncirculated: $108.27 - $1,550.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 - $350.00
    Uncirculated: $400.00 - $12,500.00

1870-S Dime (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $42.00 - $2,070.00
    Uncirculated: $65.00 - $25,300.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $232.49 - $970.00
    Uncirculated: $1,575.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $300.00 - $2,250.00
    Uncirculated: $2,500.00 - $35,000.00

1870 Dime, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $384.00 - $6,600.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $344.98 - $1,155.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $750.00 - $9,000.00

1870 Dime F-102 (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $26.00 - $250.00
    Uncirculated: $283.25

1870 Dime F-104, Repunched Date (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $115.00

1870 Dime F-105 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,880.00

1870-S Dime F-101, MPD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $360.00 - $1,116.25
    Uncirculated: $1,061.03 - $18,800.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $400.00 - $1,850.00
    Uncirculated: $8,750.00 - $22,000.00

1870 Dime F-101 (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $780.00 - $1,028.13

1870 Dime (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $862.00 - $2,760.00
    Uncirculated: $1.75 - $7,050.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $233.63
    Uncirculated: $259.00 - $1,999.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $350.00 - $425.00
    Uncirculated: $450.00 - $8,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1870 Dime

The 1870 Dime is part of the Seated Liberty series, which was minted from 1837 to 1891. This year is notable as it marks the first year of production for the Carson City Mint, adding a new mint mark to the series. The Seated Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, was a long-standing and popular motif in American coinage.

Weight 2.49 grams
Diameter 17.9 mm
Mint Marks S, CC
Composition 90% silver, 10% copper
Obverse Design Seated Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Wreath surrounding the words 'ONE DIME', designed by Christian Gobrecht

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 1870 Dimes significantly impacts their value, especially for the rarer San Francisco and Carson City issues. Uncirculated examples are extremely scarce for all mint marks, with the Carson City coins being particularly valuable in any grade.

For Philadelphia issues, coins in AU (About Uncirculated) condition can command substantial premiums over circulated examples. The presence of original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks are crucial for higher grades.

Philadelphia (no mint mark)

Mintage: 1,034,000

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

San Francisco (S)

Mintage: 50,000

Rarity Scale: Rare

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS63 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, especially for higher grade examples

Carson City (CC)

Mintage: 11,460

Rarity Scale: Very Rare

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in any mint state grade

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Very high, highly sought after by collectors

Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of 1870 Dimes. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. The strike quality is also important, with well-struck coins showing full details on Liberty's head and the wreath on the reverse being more desirable.

For the Carson City issues, the historical significance of being the first year of production adds to their appeal and value. Collectors often seek these coins to complete Carson City mint sets, driving up demand and prices.

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