1802 Dime Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Are you fascinated by the Draped Bust coin series? Do you wonder how much these historical coins are worth? The 1802 dime is one of the most iconic pieces in the Draped Bust coin series; with a rock-bottom mintage and premium prices, it’s every collector’s dream. Whether you’re building a serious collection or you’re just a hobbyist, our guide will explain everything you need to know about the 1802 dime value.

You’ll learn about the coin’s history, its unique features, which are essential for authentication and grading, and tips for valuing your dime. You’ll also discover some fascinating minting errors that can significantly raise your coin’s value.

So, how much is an 1802 dime worth? Let’s find out!

1802 Large Cent Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1802 Dime Value	2,375	$3,800	$9,500	$105,000

 

History of the 1802 Dime

The Coinage Act of 1792 authorized the creation of the dime, the smallest and thinnest of all United States coins minted for circulation. But it was only in 1796 that the United States Mint struck the dime and released it into circulation, and since then, the coin has continuously been minted to date.

 Since 1796, the dime has undergone several design changes, starting with the Draped Bust design (1796-1807). This was then followed by the Capped Bust design (1809-1837), Seated Liberty (1837-1891), Barber design (1892-1916), Winged Liberty Head (1916-1945), and to the present one, the Roosevelt design minted since 1946.

The 1802 dime is part of the Draped Bust dime series designed by Chief Engraver Robert Scot. For the obverse of the Draped Bust series, Scot modified an image of Ann Willing Bingham, drawn by artist Gilbert Stuart. Ms. Bingham was a well-known Philadelphia socialite and the wife of William Bingham, an equally renowned statesman. Compared to previous designs, including the Chain, Wreath, and S] Seated Liberty, Lady Liberty was portrayed as more mature and feminine on the Draped Bust coin series, making this design one of the most popular.

Initially, the reverse of the Draped Bust dimes featured a scrawny eagle surrounded by an olive laurel, and the design was known as the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design. This design was, however, changed in 1798 and replaced by a more majestic heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast. This new design was known as the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle reverse, and lasted throughout the series’ lifetime until 1807.

The 1802 dime has one of the lowest mintages in the entire Draped Bust dime series. The Mint used four die pairings to strike the 1802 dime, including two different obverse dies and two different reverse dies. None of these die varieties (named after US Mint Engraver John Reich (JR)) are common, but the JR-4 is the most commonly seen, and the JR-1 is the rarest of them all. Circulated examples of the 1802 dime are extremely scarce and become rarer in grade Very Fine (VF) and higher. Mint State examples are genuinely rare, and Gems are unknown. Whether selling or buying, the 1802 is certainly a collector’s favorite and deserves a spot in any collection.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money 

 

Features of the 1802 Dime

 Next, we’ll look at the standout features of the 1802 dime, which can help you authenticate and grade your silver Draped Bust dimes more accurately. Additionally, by recognizing these features, you can identify Draped Bust dimes worth money.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse of the 1802 Dime

On the obverse is the right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty. Liberty’s hair flows softly, with some strands held back with a ribbon and some combed up above her forehead. She is clad in drapey clothing that highlights her busty bosom, from which the Draped Bust coin series is named.

The word LIBERTY is inscribed above her head, while the date is shown at the bottom just below her portrait and along the rim. Liberty’s portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars, seven to the left and six to the right, representing the first thirteen states to form the Union.

Reverse of the 1802 Dime

The reverse shows the image of a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast symbolizing strength and self-defense.

In its beak, the eagle holds a flag inscribed with the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM, which means “Out Of Many, One.” A billow of clouds and a constellation of thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen states, hang above the eagle’s head.

The eagle also clutches arrows in its left talon, representing victory and a readiness to defend the nation, while the olive branch in its right talon symbolizes peace.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are inscribed around the coin’s circumference. The coin’s denomination was not inscribed on these early dimes—one could only deduce the denomination from the coin’s diameter, thickness, and weight.

Other Features of the 1802 Dime

Additional notable features include:

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

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money

1802 Dime Value Guides

Let’s now find out: how much is a 1802 dime worth? The value depends on the coin’s condition and rarity. The Philadelphia Mint struck about 10,975 Draped Bust dimes in 1802, one of the lowest mintages in the entire series.

Due to its low mintage, the 1802 dime is scarce in all circulated grades, but the population of worn dimes drastically declines in Very Fine (VF) condition. The finest example of an uncirculated 1802 dime is graded MS62, and none higher has been discovered to date. No Gem specimens are known in this series. 

Here’s a breakdown of the 1802 dime value:

• Circulated Examples: These are scarce in all grades, but the population of survivors declines drastically in Very Fine (VF) condition. Due to the scarcity, even lower grade 1802 dimes can command relatively high prices. For example, dimes in Poor/Average condition can sell for as much as $1,400, one in Good (G) condition can fetch up to $2,375, while a Fine (F) one is worth at least $3,800. Extremely Fine (XF) examples are rare and can command up to $9,500, while About Uncirculated (AU) pieces will sell for up to $28,000.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are genuinely rare, and prices can be prohibitive even in lower grades. For example, 1802 dimes graded MS60 can fetch as much as $33,500 while an MS61 is worth at least $45,500. Most of the existing Mint State survivors are found in MS62 and command prices as high as $105,000. Gem examples of the 1802 dime are unknown.
• Auction Record: One of the most valuable 1802 Draped Bust dimes graded MS62 was auctioned in 2008 by Heritage Auctions for a record-shattering $138,000.

 

1802 Dime Grading

Like most early coins, Draped Bust dimes were hand-struck, so strike quality can be a challenge when grading. Accurate grading of the 1802 dime is also important because of the coin’s rarity, value, and as a target for counterfeiters.

Examine your dime for wear on high-contact points, including Liberty’s portrait, hair on shoulders and forehead, stars, and the inscription LIBERTY. On the reverse, examine the heraldic eagle’s image, including its wing and tail feathers, shield, arrows, and olive branch held in the talons. Extensive wear points to a lower grade, while higher-grade dimes will show less wear, stronger details, and bolder outlines.

Assess the surface for mint luster and signs of damage. Lower-grade coins will be dull with little to no luster and will show signs of damage, including scratches and dings. Higher grade dimes, on the other hand, will have some luster and few, if any, surface marks.

Also, look out for signs of cleaning, such as tiny scratches and unnatural shine, as this can drastically lower a coin’s value.

 

Rare 1802 Dime Errors list

Draped Bust dimes were generally better struck than previous designs, including the Chain Reverse, Wreath Reverse, and Seated Liberty. However, most dates, including 1802, still show poor strike, numerous die varieties, and minting errors.

That said, some minting errors are not necessarily a nuance and can add to the value of your 1802 dime. Let’s look at some that are worth collecting:

1. 1802 Dime Clipped Planchet Error

 A clipped planchet error occurs when the blank planchet is improperly cut from the metal strip. This results in the coin missing a portion of the rim; the clip may appear to be ragged, uneven, or straight, while some coins might have multiple clips.

The larger the clip, the more eye-catching and valuable it generally is. A clipped planchet is worth anything from $50-$200, depending on its size, shape, or appearance. For example, in 2012, a collector on eBay paid $2,450 for a 1802 dime graded Good (G) with a clipped planchet error.

2. 1802 Dime Off-Center Strike Error

Another error that comes up in the 1802 dime series is the off-center strike, which happens due to a misalignment between the die and planchet. The misalignment causes the die to strike the planchet away from the center, instead transferring the design more toward the coin’s edge.

An off-center strike error can result in some of the coin’s details missing or appearing distorted. The more dramatic the misalignment or off-center strike, the more valuable the error generally is. For example, a 35% off-center strike would be more valuable than a 5% off-center strike.

In a 2010 sale, Goldberg Auctioneers sold a 1802 dime graded Very Good (VG) with an off-center strike error for an impressive $3,500.

3. 1802 Dime Doubled Die Error

Double die errors are some of the most common in the 1802 Draped Bust dime series. This error occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times in slightly different positions, creating a ghost outline around the design elements and inscriptions.

On Draped Bust dimes, check for doubling around Liberty’s profile, stars, word LIBERTY, and date. On the reverse, doubling usually appears on the inscriptions, shield, wing, and tail feathers, and talons.

Doubled errors are worth $50-$100, depending on the intensity/clarity of the doubling. For example, in 2009, a collector on eBay paid $2,420 for a 1802 dime graded Good (G) with an obverse and reverse doubled die error.

4. 1802 Dime Double Struck Error

Another interesting error seen in this series is the double-struck, which occurs when the die makes more than one impression on the coin’s surface. As a result, two or more impressions of the design are seen on either side of the coin.

In the case of Draped Bust dimes, a double-struck error may result in two impressions of Liberty’s profile on the obverse or the heraldic eagle on the reverse. There’s no doubt that a double strike is a dramatic, eye-catching error and is sought after by collectors. The error can add $50-$200 to the value of your 1802 dime. For example, Heritage Auctions sold a 1802 dime graded Very Good (VG) with an obverse double strike error for $3,550, making this a nice addition to your collection.

5. 1802 Dime Re-Punched Date Error

A re-punched date is also commonly seen in Draped Bust coins, including the 1802 dime. This error occurs when the date is punched into the die multiple times at slightly different positions, and this impression is transferred to the coin.

A re-punched date error appears like one or more of the digits in the date are overlapped or have a ghost outline. Though almost similar, this error should not be confused with an overdate, which occurs when a new date is re-punched over an old one.

A re-punched date error is generally worth between $50 and $100 or more, depending on the coin’s condition.  In 2009, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a 1802 dime graded Fine (F) with a re-punched date error for an impressive $3,900.

 

Where to Sell Your 1802 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. 

FAQs

How much is a 1802 dime worth today?

The market price of a 1802 dime depends on its condition and rarity. Circulated examples are worth between $1,400 and $28,000, while the exceptionally rare Mint State survivors can sell for at least $105,000. Examples with minting errors and rare die varieties might be worth more than the value of a regular 1802 dime.

Why are 1802 dimes rare?

The 1802 Draped Bust dime had one of the lowest mintages in the entire series. Given that this coin was struck more than 200 years ago, many have been lost or damaged over the years, further squeezing the population of existing examples. Out of the approximately 10,000 dimes minted in 1802, only a few circulated examples can be found, while Mint State specimens are exceptionally difficult to find but still collectible.

How to tell if a 1802 dime is real?

Like most early silver coins, the 1802 dime is a target for counterfeiting. You can authenticate your silver dime by comparing its key features, i.e., diameter, weight, edge, and design elements on the obverse and reverse, with images of authentic 1802 dimes from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). You can also test for silver content using a magnet; a real silver dime will not stick to the magnet.