How Much Is An 1838 Half Dime Worth?
An 1838 Seated Liberty Half Dime (No Drapery) in Good condition is worth about $18, while the same coin in Uncirculated condition can fetch up to $175 according to numismatic pricing guides as of 2026.
That price tag comes from two main things: the coin’s silver content and how much collectors crave early Seated Liberty designs. For the most accurate estimate, get it professionally graded by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS—condition makes a huge difference. Budget $30–$50 for a basic grading service, though.
What is a silver half dime worth?
A silver half dime contains about 0.0643 troy ounces of silver, and its numismatic value typically starts around $1.50–$3.00 in worn condition, rising to $20–$200+ in Uncirculated grades depending on date and rarity.
Half dimes were struck from 1792 to 1873 and include key dates like the 1870-S, which can exceed $1,000 in high grades. Always check for mint marks (none for Philadelphia, ‘O’ for New Orleans)—they change the value game. Silver content alone won’t match numismatic value for most collectible dates.
How much is a 1838 coin worth?
A Gobrecht Dollar from 1838 averages $13,587, with certified Mint State pieces selling for $44,362 or more as of recent auction data tracked by major grading services.
Those sky-high prices? They come from the coin’s tiny mintage—just 1,900 pieces struck—and its status as a pattern coin, never meant for circulation. Always verify authenticity, because restrikes and altered coins sometimes sneak into the market. Check PCGS or NGC population reports before you buy.
Are half dimes rare?
Early half dimes (1794–1837) are scarce due to low mintages and survival rates, while later Seated Liberty issues (1837–1873) are more common but still sought after.
Mintages dipped below 100,000 for multiple pre-1837 issues, including the 1831 (65,000) and 1829/28 overdate (45,000). Later Seated dimes often exceeded one million minted, which reduces rarity but doesn’t kill value in top grades. Stick with certified examples for the best results.
Is a 1866 dime worth anything?
An 1866 Seated Liberty Dime averages $244 in circulated condition, with Mint State examples reaching $1,628 at auction, per numismatic pricing guides.
This dime isn’t a key date, but Civil War-era coins have a natural appeal. Look for full rims and original luster to maximize value. Steer clear of cleaned or damaged coins—they often sell for bullion value only (~$2.50 in silver).
What are the most valuable silver coins?
As of 2026, the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar holds the record at $10 million, followed closely by the 1804 Bust Dollar (Class I) at $4.14 million, according to verified auction records.
Those mind-blowing prices? Pure rarity and historical significance. Other top silver coins include the 1885 Trade Dollar ($3.96M) and 1704 Ivan VI Pattern Silver Rouble ($3.86M). Most of these pieces live in museums or private collections and rarely hit the market. Always verify provenance and certification before you consider a purchase.
How much is a 1792 half dime worth?
A 1792 half disme in About Uncirculated (AU55) sold for $138,000 in 2004, while a PCGS MS67 specimen realized $1,322,500 in 2006—the highest recorded auction price for the issue.
These early patterns were struck in tiny quantities and are among the first U.S. coins ever produced. Authenticity is critical—many replicas exist. Always demand third-party grading for high-value transactions. Silver content alone is negligible compared to the numismatic premium.
How much is an 1854 half dime worth?
An 1854 Seated Liberty Half Dime is valued at $20 in Good condition and $65 in Extremely Fine, according to grading guides.
This date isn’t rare, but it’s a favorite for type collectors. Coins with the New Orleans mint mark (O) are slightly more valuable. Skip repairs or harsh cleaning—they tank the value fast. Focus on eye appeal; original surfaces make a huge difference to collectors.
What is a 1836 half dime worth?
An 1836 Bust Half Dime is worth about $42 in Good condition and $119 in Uncirculated, per numismatic pricing data.
This issue marks the shift from Capped Bust to Seated Liberty designs. Mintage was moderate (1,190,000), but many were melted or lost over time. Hunt for sharp details on the stars and lettering. Certified grading adds confidence but also cost—budget $30–$50 for submission.
Are 1966 dimes worth anything?
Most 1966 Roosevelt Dimes are worth face value, but certified Mint State examples can sell for up to $55 at auction, according to market trends.
These dimes are 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel—no silver here. Only pristine, uncirculated coins with full mint luster command premiums. Common examples aren’t collectible. Eye appeal and original surfaces matter most; toning can boost value for some collectors.
How much is a 1856 dime worth?
An 1856 Seated Liberty Dime averages $15 in Good condition and can reach $800 in Mint State, per numismatic pricing guides.
This is a transitional year with arrows added at the date (due to weight changes), so both With Arrows and No Arrows varieties matter. Always check wear on Liberty’s head and the reverse wreath. Avoid cleaned coins—they lose eye appeal fast.
How much is a 1866 3 cent piece worth?
An 1866 3-Cent Nickel is worth about $18 in Good condition and $65 in Uncirculated, according to grading guides.
This tiny silver-plated coin was minted from 1865 to 1889 and is a favorite with type collectors. Look for original surfaces and minimal wear on the numeral “3” and the reverse “III.” Cleaning is a bad idea—it lowers value and can damage the delicate plating. Certified grading is smart for higher-end pieces.
What year silver dollars are worth the most money?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is the most valuable, selling for $10 million, followed by the 1804 Bust Dollar (Class I) at $4.14 million, based on verified auction records.
Other top contenders include the 1885 Trade Dollar ($3.96M) and 1796 Small Date, Small Letters Dollar. These coins are museum pieces and rarely hit public auction. Provenance and certification are non-negotiable. Always request independent authentication before you buy. Many high-value silver dollars live in institutions or private collections.
What Silver Dollar coins are worth money?
Key Morgan and Peace Dollars like the 1895-O, 1903-O, and 1928-S can exceed $300 in average condition and climb to $1,000+ in high grades, according to numismatic pricing data.
Collectible dates include the 1889-CC, 1893-S, and 1921. Always check the mint mark— Carson City (CC), San Francisco (S), and New Orleans (O) issues often carry premiums. Eye appeal, strike quality, and original luster matter more than silver content in high-grade examples. Skip cleaned or whizzed coins—they’re usually worth bullion value only.
How much is a pure silver coin worth?
A 1986–2013 American Silver Eagle (.999 fine silver) contains one troy ounce of silver and is worth about $22.68 based on a $22.50 silver price as of July 2026, plus collectible premium in high grades.
| Description | Face Value | Silver Value (as of July 2026) |
|---|
| Morgan Dollar (1878–1921) | $1.00 | $17.56 |
| Peace Dollar (1921–1935) | $1.00 | $17.56 |
| Ike Dollar (40% silver, 1971–1976) | $1.00 | $7.18 |
| Silver Eagle (.999 silver, 1986–present) | $1.00 | $22.68 |
Pure silver coins trade close to spot price, but certified, high-grade examples command substantial premiums. Always verify metal content and authenticity before you buy. Bullion dealers like APMEX or JM Bullion offer live pricing and certification options.
What is the rarest coin in the world?
The 1849 Double Eagle is considered the rarest coin in the world, with only one known specimen, currently housed at the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection and valued at nearly $20 million.
This coin never entered circulation—only a handful of trial strikes were made. Its existence stayed under wraps until the 20th century. Public sales? Virtually impossible. The Smithsonian displays it occasionally, but it’s not for sale. Other contenders include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, though legal ownership remains restricted in the U.S.
