1801 Dime Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Have you come across a 1801 dime and wonder how much this old coin might be worth? Is a 1801 dime worth collecting? This guide will explain everything you need to know about this issue of the Draped Bust dime.

We’ll take you through the coin’s interesting history, key features that will help you with grading and authenticating your coin, and expert tips on how to grade and value it. You’ll also discover fascinating minting errors worth a spot in your collection.

So, let’s jump in and answer the big question: What is the 1801 dime value?

1801 Dime Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1801 Dime Value	$1,075	$2,350	$7,900	$45,000

 

 

History of the 1801 Dime

The United States dime was first minted in 1796 and has had six different obverse designs. The 1801 dime, in particular, belongs to the first design type, the Draped Bust, minted by the United States Mint from 1796 to 1807.

By 1796, there was widespread dissatisfaction with the Flowing Hair dollar, the first coin produced by the Mint. In response, Congress authorized a new coin and Robert Scot, the Mint’s Chief Engraver, swung into action, using artist Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of a Philadelphia socialite to represent Lady Liberty on the obverse. The socialite was believed to be Ann Willing Bingham, wife to well-known statesman William Bingham.

Previous portrayals of Lady Liberty were more conservative, but with the Draped Bust series, Scot transformed Liberty into a bustier, more mature, and feminine lady, an element that made this series more popular than previous ones.

Some Draped Bust coins were minted in copper and others in silver. The 1801 dime, in particular, was struck in silver and bore the Heraldic eagle reverse. For context, three reverse designs were created for the Draped Bust series. The first one, seen on copper coins, displays the coin’s value encircled by a wreath, which is surrounded by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  From 1795 to 1801, a small bald eagle replaced the wreath on all silver coins, resulting in the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, the rarest of all three designs in the Draped Bust series. In 1798, the reverse design changed again, this time depicting a larger and bolder Heraldic eagle—this design was known as the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle.

The exact mintage of the 1801 dime is unknown, but what is certain is that two die varieties were used for the reverse paired with just a single obverse die variety. This issue is extremely scarce in Mint State and Gem condition, and even circulated survivors can be difficult to find. All in all, the 1801 dime remains one of the most sought-after dates in the Draped Bust series and would be a valuable addition to your collection.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money 

 

Features of the 1801 Dime

We’ll now explore the standout features of the 1801 dime. By familiarizing yourself with these key characteristics, you can authenticate and grade your silver coin better and identify Draped Bust dimes worth good money.

Here’s what to watch out for:

Obverse of the 1801 Dime

The front side shows a right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a few strands held back with a ribbon.

LIBERTY is inscribed at the top while the date, 1801, is shown at the bottom along the rim. Lady Liberty’s portrait is encircled by thirteen stars, seven to the left and six to the right, while the rim spots numerous small denticles. The thirteen stars represent the first states to join the Union.

Reverse of the 1801 Dime

On the reverse is the image of the heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast representing strength, sovereignty, and nonaggression.

The eagle clutches a flag in its beak with a Latin inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, inscribed on it, which translates to “Out of Many, One.” Above the eagle’s head is a billow of clouds and a constellation of thirteen stars representing the original states.

The eagle also holds arrows in its left talon, symbolic of victory and self-defense, while the olive branch in the right talon symbolizes peace.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is inscribed around the rim. Early coins didn’t explicitly indicate the denomination; this could only be deduced from the coin’s size.

Other Features of the 1801 Dime

Additional features worth noting 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

 

1801 Dime Value Guides

Next, we’ll find out: How much is a 1801 dime worth? The value will depend on the coin’s condition and rarity. Other factors, such as the die variety and minting errors, will also affect its value.

About 34,640 dimes were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the only coin minting facility at the time. Despite having the highest mintage of dimes minted between 1800 and 1804, the 1801 issue remains scarce to rare in all grades. Mint State and Gem examples are extremely rare with only a few known to exist.

Also worth noting are the two die varieties, also known as JR-1 and JR-2, resulting from one obverse die paired with two reverse die varieties, with JR-1 being more common than JR-2. The JR-1 variety shows a raised die line on the reverse running from the tip of the shield up into the field.  This variety is scarcest in grade Very Fine (VF30) and higher, and in MS60, only two examples are known. The second finest example is graded MS63 and was last seen in 1995, while the finest in MS65 was auctioned for $111,625 in 2014.

1801 No-Mint mark Dime Value

Collecting 1801 dimes needs patience and dedication, given that only a few survivors exist today. What’s more, most, including the uncirculated examples, are generally in poor condition.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

• Circulated Examples: These are scarce, and even lower-grade examples will command high prices despite showing a weak strike. In Poor/Average condition, a dime from 1801 will sell for as much as $700, a Good (G) one for $1,075, and a fine one for up to $2,350. In Extremely Fine (XF), expect at least $7,900, while an extremely rare About Uncirculated (AU58) example can command as much as $27,500.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are equally rare, and most will also show a weak, poor strike, not what you’d expect from a Mint State specimen. Nonetheless, these old coins will command a premium, and prices can be prohibitive in higher grades. In MS60, an example can sell for $32,500, up to $39,500 in MS61, and as much as $45,000 in MS62.
• Auction Record: In a 2002 sale, Bowers & Merena auctioned an extremely rare MS65 for a record-shattering $50,600, making this one of the most valuable and rare 1801 Draped Bust dimes.

 

1801 Dime Grading

When grading a 1801 Draped Bust dime, you should examine the strike quality, details, and any surface damage. Pay attention to the high contact points, which wear the fastest. On the obverse, assess Liberty’s hair strands behind the ear and on the forehead, the stars, and the dates for signs of wear. On the reverse, examine the eagle’s wing feathers, shield, flag, and talons, which show the first signs of wear. A loss of outline, weak details, roundness, and flatness all point to a lower-grade coin.

Early coins such as the 1801 dime generally have a weak strike, but be careful not to confuse this with wear. If the high contact points are bold but the details appear weak, the coin might have a poor-quality strike, which can effectively lower its grade.

Lastly, check the surface quality. Higher grade coins will have fewer surface marks and less damage but the opposite is true for lower grade coins, which will show extensive signs of damage, corrosion, or cleaning.

Check out this video to learn more about grading and authenticating your Draped Bust silver coins.

 

Rare 1801 Dime Errors List

Minting errors are inevitable during the coining process, and more so one early coins as they were minted manually. Poor conditions, low-quality dies, and unadvanced techniques resulted in several die varieties and errors.

Here are some notable errors that may add value to a regular 1801 dime.

1. 1801 Dime Die Crack Error

Some 1801 dimes have thin, raised lines on either side of the coin, known as die cracks. These form when cracks appear on the die’s surface and are gradually filled with small metal pieces as the die is continuously put to work. Eventually, the metal-filled cracks leave their impression on the coin’s surface, resulting in die cracks.

The value of a die crack depends on its uniqueness and size, with large, dramatic errors being more valuable. For example, in 2008, a collector on eBay paid $1,200 for a 1801 dime in Good (G) condition with an obverse die crack error.

2. 1801 Dime Struck-through Error

Another error you might come across is the struck-through, which happens when a foreign object, such as a piece of metal, wood speck, dust, piece of cloth, or strand of hair, is struck between the die and planchet.

Sometimes, the foreign object may remain in the planchet’s surface, resulting in a retained struck-through error, but other times it may fall, only leaving its impression. Like other errors, eye-catching, struck-through errors are usually the most valuable compared to subtle ones. For example, Bowers & Merena auctioned a rare 1801 dime in Very Good (VG) condition with a retained obverse struck-through error for a handsome $2,500.

3. 1801 Dime Doubled Die Error

Double dies are also common in early coins and occur when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles. This results in the inscriptions such as LIBERTY, the date, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the design elements such as Liberty’s profile and parts of the heraldic eagle, developing visible doubling or a ghost outline around them.

Usually, you’ll require magnification to notice the doubling. But, coins with stronger, more visible doubling are generally more valuable than ones in which the error is only subtle. For example, an eBay collector paid $1,150 for a 1801 dime in Good (G) condition with a strong obverse and reverse doubled die error, making this a nice addition to your collection.

 

Where to Sell Your 1801 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

How much is a 1801 dime?

The value of a 1801 dime will depend on several factors such as the coin’s condition, rarity, die variety, and minting error. All in all, 1801 dimes can be pricey, whether they are of a lower or higher grade, due to this coin’s sheer scarcity. Only a few survivors exist today, so these dimes are in high demand, which pushes up their price; prices can be prohibitive even for lower-grade examples with a poor strike. The values range from $700 to $27,500 for circulated dimes and from $39,500 to as much as $50,000 or more for Mint State and Gem examples.

How to tell if a 1801 dime is rare?

The 1801 dime is a rare coin on its own due to its old age and low mintage. But, some examples of this coin are rarer than others; in this case, Mint State and Gem examples are extremely rare. These coins will have a brighter luster, bolder details, and a stronger strike. If you are lucky to come across such a dime, it could be worth a fortune.

How can I tell if a 1801 dime is real?

Authenticating a 1801 dime involves carefully examining the key features, such as the diameter, weight, and edge. Compare your coin to images from reputable platforms such as the Professional Coin Grading Service or the Numismatic Guaranty Company. You can also perform the magnet test to be sure that your dime is made from silver—a genuine silver coin should not stick to the magnet.