1800 Dime Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Are you building your Draped Bust coin collection and curious about the 1800 dime value? Is this early coin worth collecting? Is it worth any money? The 1800 dime boasts one of the lowest mintages in the entire Draped Bust dime series, making it highly sought-after. So scarce is this coin that even worn survivors can be worth a small fortune!

Want to learn more? Our guide will walk you through the interesting history of the dime, initially known as the “disme.” We’ll explore the standout features of the 1800 dime, reveal tips to grade your coin like an expert, and discover high-value minting errors worth a spot in your collection.

So, without further ado, let’s jump in and find out: How much is an 1800 Draped Bust dime worth?

1800 Dime Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1800 Dime Value	$925	$1,825	$4,550	$300,000

 

 

History of the 1800 Dime

With an estimated mintage of just 22,000, the 1800 dime is one of the scarcest of the Draped Bust coins. Today, the dime is essential to the U.S. coinage system, but it wasn’t always this way; in fact, the United States Mint was reluctant to strike a dime, focusing entirely on minting silver dollars, half dollars, half dimes, and even the gold eagle and half eagle.

 Despite this reluctance, the early Mint Act of 1792 provided for the production of a silver dollar and a one-tenth coin that would be called a “disme”, which is a French word meaning “decimal” and later anglicized to “dime.” 

Four years would pass since the formation of the Mint Act of 1792, before the Mint would strike the first ten-cent coins for circulation. Later, the focus shifted to the production of half dollars and half dimes. The delay in producing dimes has been attributed to low public demand for a small silver coin; at the time, the Spanish reales adequately met the commercial demand for small coins.

Finally, in 1796, the Mint attempted to produce dimes, which would feature the Draped Bust design. It is alleged that the portrait was based on Ann Willing Bingham, one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful and popular socialites. Artist Gilbert Stuart is said to have drawn the portrait at the urging of President George Washington. Later, another artist, John Eckstein, turned the drawings into plaster, and Chief Engraver Charles Scot prepared the dies.

The Draped Bust design, including the dimes, was minted from 1796 to 1807. At the start, mintages were generally high, for the time, but began dwindling in the 1800s due to limited silver supplies. As such, the 1800 dime started as a scarce date; today, survivors are few across all grades but more so in Mint State.

The 1800 Draped Bust dime is a worthwhile addition to any collection owing to its historical significance and scarcity. Next, we’ll explore the coin’s physical features.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money 

 

Features of the 1800 Dime

Like most early coins, grading the 1800 dime can be challenging. This is why understanding the coin’s physical features is essential, as it helps with grading and authenticating your silver coins. By knowing these features, you can also identify Draped Bust dimes worth money.

Obverse of the 1800 Dime

The “heads” features Liberty’s right-facing portrait in which her hair flows loosely while some strands are held back with a ribbon. She is clothed in drapey clothing that highlights her bosom.

The word “LIBERTY” is etched above her while the date appears on the opposite side, underneath her portrait.

Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, seven to the left and six to the right, representing the thirteen original states. The rim is decorated with numerous tiny denticles.

Reverse of the 1800 Dime

The “tails” side shows a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, symbolizing sovereignty and independence. The eagle clutches in its beak a flag with the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, which translates to “Out of Many, One.”

In its left talon, the eagle holds arrows and olive branches in its right one, symbolizing peace and victory, respectively. Above the eagle is a constellation of stars crowned by a billow of clouds.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched around the coin’s circumference.

Other Features of the 1800 Dime

Additional features of the 1800 dime include:

• Diameter: 19.80 millimeters
• Weight: 2.70 grams
• Edge: Reeded
• Metal Composition: 89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper
• ASW: 0.0774oz
• Fineness: 0.892

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money

 

 1800 Dime Value Guides

So, how much is an 1800 Draped Bust dime? The value will depend on the coin’s condition and rarity. These dimes were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the only one of its kind at the time.

Circulated survivors are heavily worn, leaving just a few collectible pieces graded Fine (F) to Extremely Fine (F). Mint State examples are scarce to rare, while gems are genuinely rare.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

• Circulated Examples: These are scarce, and the most collectible examples are graded from Fine (F) to Extremely Fine (XF). Any examples graded higher are far and few between and will typically sell for a premium. So scarce are circulated 1800 Draped Bust dimes that even lower grade examples will sell for good money. For example, at grade Poor/Average, a piece will fetch up to $550 while one graded Good (G) will fetch as much as $925. Fine (F) dimes will bring in up to $1,825 while those graded Extremely Fine (XF) sell for up to $4,550. About Uncirculated (AU58) examples are notably rare, commanding prices as high as $19,000.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are equally scarce to rare, so much so that prices can be prohibitive even at lower grades. For example, an 1800 dime graded MS60 will sell for as much as $25,500 while a rare MS63 will bring in almost triple the amount at $62,500. Gems are extremely rare and will command impressively high prices ranging from $155,000 for an MS65 to as much as $300,000 for an MS66.
• Auction Record: In a record-shattering sale, in 2014 Heritage Auctions sold an MS66 for a remarkable $325,500, making this the most valuable 1800 Draped Bust Dime to date.

 

1800 Dime Grading

Grading the 1800 Draped Bust dime can be challenging because most survivors are heavily worn and show a weak or non-existent strike. So weak is the strike that a dime that might be graded as Extremely Fine (XF) or higher can appear to be more worn than it is.

When grading, pay attention to the high-contact points where wear first shows. On the obverse, the high points are Liberty’s hair strands above the forehead and ear. On the reverse, examine the top edges of the eagle’s wings, head, tail feathers, and the shield on its breast.

Examining the remaining amount of luster can also help determine the coin’s grade. Higher-grade circulated examples may have small hints of surface luster, while lower-grade ones will be dull throughout. The extremely rare uncirculated 1800 dimes will have more surface luster.

Mint State examples might have slight damage, such as small scratches, but they’ll definitely stand out for their sharper details and shinier surfaces.

 

Rare 1800 Dime Errors List

Many die varieties appear in the Draped Bust series, including the 1800 dime, due to poorly made dies, primitive working conditions, and low-quality materials. Die varieties and minting errors add interest to an otherwise regular coin and may also make the coin more valuable.

Here are some notable minting errors found in the 1800 Draped Bust dime series:

1. 1800 Dime Re-punched Date Error

Re-punched date errors are common in the 1800 dimes, most of which are believed to have been struck in 1798. At a closer look, some dimes appear to have a secondary date (1800) re-punched over the older primary date (1798).

Sometimes the re-punching is visible, but often it is so subtle that you would need magnification to notice the error. In 2008, a collector on eBay paid an outstanding $1,400 for an 1800 dime graded Very Good with a re-punched date error.

2. 1800 Dime Doubled Die Error

Another common error that shows up on 1800 dimes is the doubled die, which occurs when the die strikes the planchet at different positions multiple times. This results in doubling or the appearance of a ghost outline around the design elements or inscriptions.

On 1800 dimes, doubling is common on the word LIBERTY on the obverse, the date, and on Lady Liberty’s profile, specifically her nose and chin area. On the reverse, doubling may be seen in the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

In 2010, Great Collections auctioned an 1800 dime graded Fine (F) with an obverse and reverse doubled die error for an impressive $1,900.

3. 1800 Dime Rotated Die Error

A rotated die error happens when the obverse and reverse dies are misaligned when striking the planchet. Ideally, the dies should be aligned, ensuring that the design elements on both sides of the coin are upright and not tilted or rotated.

However, sometimes, one or both dies might rotate at an angle, causing the design elements to also rotate away from their upright position. For example, the obverse die might rotate at a 40-degree angle, resulting in Liberty’s portrait appearing tilted.

Rotate die errors are quite dramatic and eye-catching, making them highly collectible among minting error collectors. In 2015, Great Collections auctioned a 1800 dime graded Very Good (VG) with a 45-degree rotated die error for $1,300.

4. 1800 Dime Struck-Through Error

Another error seen on some 1800 dimes is the struck-through, which occurs when a foreign object accidentally comes between the die and planchet. Examples of such objects are pieces of paper or cloth, specks of wood or metal, strands of hair or threads, dust or other debris.

When struck, the object leaves its impression on the coin’s surface. Larger, more dramatic, struck-through impressions are usually more valuable. In 2006, an eBay collector paid $1,875 for an 1800 dime graded Very Good (VG) with an obverse struck-through error.

 

Where to Sell Your 1800 Dime?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQs

Is an 1800 dime worth money?

Yes, some 1800 Draped Bust dimes are worth good money. The price of these dimes ranges from $550 for circulated examples to as much as $300,000 for higher grade specimens. That said, many survivors are heavily worn and ungradable and might not be worth much.

How do you know if a 1800 dime is valuable?

The most valuable 1800 dimes are graded Fine (F) and higher. These coins usually have some or all of the design details intact, visible outlines, and generally clear details on both sides of the coin. Valuable but rare mint state examples will have their original mint luster and boast sharp details. So, if you come across or own an 1800 dime with visible details, consider it rare and very likely valuable.

How can you tell if an 1800 dime is real?

Like many early silver coins, the 1800 Draped Bust dime is prone to counterfeiting. When you come across this coin, closely inspect the key features such as the diameter, weight, and edge, then compare your coin to images of genuine coins from the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).