Collectors have long valued rare bust half dimes; some of them have brought modest amounts at auctions. Made between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these early American coins are not just relics but also valuable investments. They are very sought after because of their rareness, complex patterns, and small number of surviving examples. This tutorial will bring you through 9 rare bust half dimes that earned collectors a fortune, whether your interests are numismatics or investors eager to learn about the most valuable half dimes ever sold.
From the rare 1837 No Stars Seated Liberty Half Dime to the venerable 1792 Half Disme, these coins have an intriguing background and still enthrall collectors all around. Knowing the importance and value of these rare coins will excite and financially benefit you regardless of your level of coin collecting expertise.
1. 1792 Half Disme – America’s First Official Coin
Among the most historically important coins available in American numismatics is the 1792 Half Dime. The 1792 Half Dime, which was struck prior to the establishment of the U.S. Mint, is often regarded as the initial coin officially sanctioned by the U.S. government.
Essential to American history, these coins were struck under the direction of Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and President George Washington. Overall, they produced only 1,500 to 2,000 pieces, and today, only a few hundred are known to remain.
Because of its relevance to the establishment of the nation, collectors and historians value the 1792 Half Disme. The coin shows Liberty, while on the reverse is an eagle in flight. Although most of these coins show some wear from circulation, even well-worn examples fetch quite high auction bids.
A perfect-condition example sold for over $1.5 million recently, demonstrating its appeal among elite collectors. Depending on their condition and provenance, even lower-grade pieces may fetch tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
2. 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime – The Ultra-Rare Survivor
Considered among the rarest and most expensive coins in American numismatics, the 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime This coin is a real gem with only a few known specimens—probably less than forty.
Its rarity stems mostly from the very low mintage; records point to less than 3,000 original strikes. Many likely melted down, leaving extremely few surviving specimens for collectors today.
Collectors yearn for an 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime, regarded as one of the important dates in early American coins. Even lower-grade specimens have cost well over $100,000; one of the best-known specimens sold for more than $500,000.
The coin has a Draped Bust pattern, Liberty on the front, and a little heraldic eagle on the reverse. Extreme rarity makes even damaged or extensively circulated items rather valuable.
3. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – A Historic Relic
Following the founding of the Philadelphia Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime is among the first coins the U.S. government struck. Its famous Flowing Hair design shows Liberty with flowing locks, therefore representing freedom and independence. The reverse of the coin has a little, delicate eagle enclosed by a wreath, a symbol of national cohesion.
The 1794 Half Dime is exceedingly uncommon, with a mintage of just 7,756 pieces; surviving examples are much sought after. Many of these coins were highly circulated; hence, well-preserved examples are even more sought after.
High-grade specimens have sold for about $250,000 in previous auctions; even lower-quality specimens bring tens of thousands of dollars. Since this coin was among the first ones the U.S. Mint created, it is a must-have item for serious collectors of early American coins.
4. 1800 Draped Bust Half Dime – A Low-Mintage Classic
Still another uncommon and precious coin from the early years of American coinage is the 1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. This coin, with a mintage of just 21,260 pieces, is difficult to find in high grades.
Robert Scot’s Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty with flowing hair and a draped robe, is among the most exquisite in American numismatics.
The 1800 half dime is an important date in the series because of its age and small surviving population. Collectors often seek this coin in any condition, with well-preserved specimens commanding high prices. High-grade specimens have sold for more than $50,000 in previous sales; even lower-quality specimens have commanded prices.
This coin is a cherished item in any major collection because of its scarcity and the artistic attractiveness of the Draped Bust design.
5. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dime – The First of Its Kind
Notable for being the inaugural year of the Draped Bust design in the half dime series is the 1796 Draped Bust Half Dime. With a mintage of just 10,230 coins, this half dime is a rather rare and costly coin. The coin is one of the most sought-after early U.S. coins, as surviving examples are much more rare.
A masterwork of early American coinage, the 1796 Half Dime features a breathtaking image of Liberty with flowing hair. Collectors value this coin because of its beauty as much as its historical significance. While even distributed samples typically sell for tens of thousands, well-preserved specimens can cost more than $200,000.
Low mintage, historical relevance, and artistic appeal taken together guarantee that the 1796 Half Dime will always be the focal point of any significant numismatic collection.
6. 1829 Capped Bust Half Dime – The Beginning of a New Era
For the half dime design, the 1829 Capped Bust Half Dime marks the beginning of a new period. Designed by William Kneass, the Capped Bust series substituted a more detailed picture of Liberty wearing a hat for the previous Draped Bust form. This design was in use until the early 1830s; hence, the 1829 issue represents an important transitional work.
Although the 1829 Half Dime is more often occurring than certain previous releases, high-grade samples are rare and somewhat costly. Collectors search for well-preserved specimens; perfect specimens may sell for more than $10,000. This coin’s attraction comes from both its pleasing appearance and historical significance, being the first of the Capped Bust series.
7. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dime – The First New Orleans Mint Half Dime
As the first half dime struck in New Orleans, the 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dime is very significant in American coinage history. Its “O” mintmark sets it apart from Philadelphia Mint releases and increases its appeal. Given a minimal mintage of 70,000 coins, surviving pieces are quite rare.
Many of these coins have extensive wear, making it difficult to find them in good shape. At auction, high-grade samples may command tens of thousands of dollars. The 1838-O Half Dime is prized by collectors for its link to the growth of American coinage and the extension of U.S. minting facilities.
8. 1805 Draped Bust Half Dime – A Scarce Early Issue
The 1805 Draped Bust Half Dime is another key date in the series, with a mintage of only 15,600 coins. This coin has historical value because it is one of the final years of the Draped Bust design. Many of the samples vanished or melted down; hence, surviving specimens are quite uncommon.
Collectors prize this coin for its artistic appeal and rarity. High-grade examples have sold for over $50,000, while even well-worn specimens remain highly desirable. Its combination of low mintage, age, and numismatic importance ensures that the 1805 Half Dime continues to be a sought-after treasure.
9. 1837 No Stars Seated Liberty Half Dime – A Unique Transitional Design
The 1837 No Stars Seated Liberty Half Dime marks the beginning of the Seated Liberty series. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, features a seated image of Liberty without stars on the obverse, making it unique among its series.
With a mintage of just over 1.4 million, the 1837 No Stars Half Dime is not as rare as earlier issues, but high-grade examples remain highly sought after. For well-preserved specimens, prices can run several thousand dollars. Collectors love the coin because of its unusual beauty and historical relevance; it was the first one designed.
Conclusion
The nine rare bust half-dimes that made collectors a fortune emphasize the wonderful value and historical importance of early American coins. At auctions, these coins—with their restricted mintage and distinctive designs—have often attracted great prices. Whether your interests are collecting or investing, getting one of these rare half dimes may be rather profitable. We anticipate a rise in demand for historic coins, which will only increase their value. If numismatics pique your interest, tracking rare Bust Half Dimes might be your path to acquiring a piece of American history at a reasonable price.
FAQs
1. What makes Bust Half Dimes so valuable?
Bust Half Dimes are valuable due to their rarity, historical significance, and low surviving population. Many were melted down or lost, making the remaining specimens highly desirable among collectors.
2. How much is a rare Bust Half Dime worth today?
The value depends on the date, condition, and rarity. Some rare specimens, like the 1792 Half Disme, have sold for over $1.5 million, while others can fetch tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Where can I buy or sell rare Bust Half Dimes?
You can buy or sell rare Bust Half Dimes at major coin auctions, reputable coin dealers, and online marketplaces specializing in numismatics.
How can I tell if my Bust Half Dime is authentic?
Authenticating a Bust Half Dime requires checking weight, metal composition, and design details. It’s best to have it evaluated by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.