1804 Dime Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Are you fascinated by rare and classic U.S. coins? If you are, the 1804 Draped Bust dime will certainly pique your interest. As one of the rarest coins in U.S. history, this dime is every collector’s dream! Prices of the few remaining survivors can get prohibitively high, but for the serious hobbyist, collecting this coin can be rewarding!

Curious to find out more? Read on for all the details on the 1804 dime value, including grading tips and minting errors that can significantly add to your coin’s value.

So, let’s find out: How much is a 1804 dime worth now?

1804 Dime Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1804 13 Star Reverse Dime Value	$3,300	$13,000	$44,500	–
1804 14 Star Reverse Dime Value	$6,750	$25,000	$65,000	$800,000

 

 

History of the 1804 Dime

The dime was the last coin the United States Mint struck after years of minting other denominations, including the silver dollar, half dollar, and half dime. While many factors played into this decision, the main reason dimes were not a priority for the Mint was the low demand for small silver coins.

It was only in 1796 that the Mint struck the first business strike dimes featuring the Draped Bust/Small Eagle design, which lasted until 1807. But, calls for a smaller silver coin had begun many years earlier, eventually culminating in the Coinage Act of 1792 that authorized the Mint to produce a coin that would be one-tenth the value and weight of a silver dollar—this coin was known as a “disme.” Only a few copper pattern coins of the disme were struck in 1792, and it was only until 1796 that actual silver dimes were struck for circulation.

The Draped Bust/Small Eagle design that appeared on the early dimes was created by Robert Scot, the then Chief Engraver. Scot transformed an image by artist Gilbert Stuart of a well-known socialite from Philadelphia known as Ann Willing Bingham. As the name suggests, the reverse featured a scrawny bald eagle perched on a cloud and encircled by olive and palm branches.

The reverse design changed in 1798 and featured a heraldic eagle inspired by the image of the Great Seal of the United States. The so-called Draped Bust/ Heraldic Eagle design continued to 1807. By 1804, production of the dime began dropping off steadily, which is reflected in this issue’s limited mintage. Two varieties of the 1804 Draped Bust dime—the 13 and 14 stars reverse- make this date quite interesting for collectors. Its low mintage, classical status, and peculiar reverse die varieties make the 1804 dime an excellent addition to any serious Draped Bust dime collection.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money 

 

Features of the 1804 Dime

Let’s now look at the features of the 1804 Dime. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can authenticate and grade your silver coins and identify high-value Draped Bust dimes that are worth a spot in your collection.

Obverse of the 1804 Dime

The “heads” shows a right-facing portrait of Liberty dressed in drapey clothing that highlights her bust. Her hair flows lightly, with some strands held back with a ribbon and a few others brushed back from her forehead.

Above her is the word LIBERTY, and below is the date, 1804. Liberty’s portrait is surrounded by thirteen stars; seven stars are along the right edge of the rim, while the other six are to the right. The stars represent the number of states that had joined the Union at the time. Numerous small denticles decorate the inner rim.

Reverse of the 1804 Dime

On the “tails” side is an image of a left-facing heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast. The shield is symbolic of strength in the unity between the federal and state governments, but it also represents non-aggression.

In its left talon, the eagle holds arrows, symbolic of victory and a readiness to defend the nation’s interests. In its right talon is an olive branch, which represents peace.

The eagle also clenches, in its beak, a flag with the Latin inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, which translates to “Out of Many, One.” Thirteen stars or fourteen, crowned by a billow of clouds, appear above the eagle. We’ll learn more about the 13-star and 14-star reverse varieties in a bit.

The inscriptions, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, are etched around the coin’s rim. The dime, like other early U.S. coins, did not have its denomination inscribed on the coin’s surface; the size of the coin revealed its denomination, with the eagle being the smallest of them all.

Other Features of the 1804 Dime

Additional notable features include:

• Diameter: 80 millimeters
• Weight: 70 grams
• Edge: Reeded
• Metal Composition: 2% Silver, 10.8% Copper
• Fineness: 892
• ASW: 0774oz

 

1804 Dime Value Guides

So, what is the 1804 Draped Bust Dime? This depends on the coin’s condition, its rarity, and the presence of minting errors and varieties.

We’ll look at the two types of 1804 Dimes:

• 1804 13 Star Reverse Dime
• 1804 14 Star Reverse Dime

Let’s find out how much each is worth:

1804 13 Star Reversed Dime Value

In 1804, the Mint used two die varieties to strike circulation dimes. The most prominent difference between the two die varieties is the number of stars above the eagle’s portrait on the reverse. On the first variety, also known as the 13 Star Reverse or the JR-1, there are 13 stars, while on the second variety, aptly known as the 14 Star Reverse (JR-2), there are 14 stars.

With a mintage of just 8,265 business strikes, the 1804 13-Star Reverse dime had one of the lowest mintages of its era. Circulated examples are rare in all grades. Mint State pieces are genuinely hard to find, with the finest certified example being an AU55 that came to the auction market in 2013. Gems are unheard of to date.

Here’s a breakdown of the value of the 1804 13-Star Reverse dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint:

• Circulated Examples: The low mintage of circulation strike makes worn examples rare, with the population drastically dropping off in the Fine (F) grade, a trend reflected in the steep climb in prices. In Poor/Average, examples can sell for as much as $2,500, Good (G) ones command up to $3,300 while Fine (F) pieces sell for as much as $13,000. In Extremely Fine (XF), prices become prohibitive, with examples fetching up to $44,500, while very rare About Uncirculated (AU50) pieces can command as much as $70,000.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated 1804 dimes are unknown. To date, the highest graded examples of the 13-star reverse variety are graded AU55, and only two such pieces have appeared on the auction market.
• Auction Record: In a record-shattering auction in 2015, Stack’s Bowers sold an AU55 for an impressive $164,500, making this one of the most valuable examples of an 1804 Dime.

1804 14 Star Reverse Dime Value

The real mintage of the 14-star reverse variety of the 1804 dime is unknown. What is certain is that this variety is the scarcest in the entire Draped Bust Dimes series and is less common than the 13-Star variety.

According to data from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), only nine examples of the 14 Star variety have been certified.

 Here’s what to expect when collecting 1804 14-Star Reverse dimes:

• Circulated Examples: These are extremely rare, and most survivors are of a lower grade. Nonetheless, examples do command premium prices in all grades. For instance, dimes graded as Poor/Average can fetch as much as $4,000 while Good (G) ones are worth about $6,750. In Fine (F) condition, examples can sell for up to $25,000, and very rare Extremely Fine (XF) specimens will command at least $65,000. About Uncirculated (AU) examples are desirable, but their prices are prohibitive and can climb as high as $430,000.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are virtually non-existent, and the single, finest known example is an MS63 certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company, which showed up in the auction market in 2013, where it was valued at a record-breaking $800,000.
• Auction Record: Among the most valuable examples of the 1804 14 Star Reverse dimes is an AU58 auctioned in a 2008 sale by Heritage Auctions for an astonishing $632,500.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money

 

1804 Dime Grading

Grading a 1804 dime needs special attention because not only are there only a few known survivors, but they are also heavily worn.

When grading, closely examine the extent of wear and surface quality. Start with the high points that wear out the fastest, including Liberty’s hair above the forehead and behind the ears, her ribbon, and drapery. Also, check the inscription LIBERTY, date, and stars. On the reverse, the high contact points include the shield, eagle’s head, talons, clouds, stars, and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Coins graded Poor to Fine will show extensive wear, flatness, or weakness on the high points. The details will be more visible and outlines bolder on dimes graded Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU). The same applies to the surface quality—lower grade dimes will display dull surfaces with scratches, dings, and dents.  Higher grade examples will have less damage and a more appealing surface quality.

 

Rare 1804 Dime Errors List

A few minting errors show up in the 1804 dime series. Here are some notable ones that can be a valuable addition to your collection:

1. 1804 Dime Re-punched Date Error

Some 1804 dime survivors display a re-punched date, which is almost always the result of a poor-quality working die or craftsmanship.

A re-punched date occurs when a mint worker strikes the date onto the planchet more than once at slightly different angles. This results in a doubled appearance or a ghost outline around the date digits due to the overlapping of the strikes.

Depending on the intensity of the doubling, a re-punched date error on a 1804 dime can be worth between $100 and $200 or more. For example, in 2005, a collector on eBay paid an impressive $3,400 for a 1804 dime graded Good (G) with a re-punched date error.

2. 1804 Dime Doubled Die Error

Another error that shows up on some 1804 dimes is the doubled die, which occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different positions. This causes a doubling of the design elements and inscriptions.

The more intense or visible the doubling, the more valuable the error tends to be. Generally, a doubled-die error can add $50-$200 to the regular value of your 1804 dime. For example, in a 2010 auction, a collector paid $6,300 for an 1804 dime graded Very Good (VG) with an obverse and reverse doubled die error.

3. 1804 Dime Die Break Error

A die break error occurs when cracks form on the die’s surface and metal flows into these cracks. As the die continues to be put to use, the filled-in cracks are impressed on the planchet, resulting in a coin with random raised lines on the surface.

Poor-quality working dies and natural wear and tear can cause cracks to appear on the die’s surface. Larger, eye-catching die break errors are generally more valuable than smaller, less visible ones. Dimes with a dramatic die break on either side can be worth $100-$200 more than their regular value.

 

Where to Sell Your 1804 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 1804 dime coin worth?

As one of the rarest coins in U.S. coinage history, the 1804 dime is quite valuable. The actual market value will depend on the variety (13 or 1 star) and the coin’s condition. All in all, prices range from $2,500 all the way to $430,000 in lower grades. The most valuable higher-grade example of the 1804 Draped Bust dime is priced at $800,000.

How rare is a 1804 Draped Bust dime?

The 1804 dime is the rarest issue in the entire Draped Bust dime series. Most survivors exist in lower grades, and even then, these are few and can be challenging but rewarding to find. To further highlight its rarity, only one Mint State example graded MS63 has shown up in the market in 2013, and none have been discovered since. So rare is the 1804 dime that if you are lucky to come across one, even in a lower grade, it could be worth a fortune!

How do I know if my 1804 dime is real?

As one of the rarest known dimes, the 1804 issue is a target for counterfeiting. But you can authenticate an example by comparing its standout features, including the diameter, weight, edge, and design elements, with images of authentic 1804 dimes from reputable sources such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Holding a magnet against the coin can also help—real silver will not stick to the magnet. To be completely sure, you can have the PCGS or NGC evaluate your 1804 dime to ascertain its authenticity.