1807 Dime Value Checker: Errors List & No Mint Mark Worth

If you’re holding an 1807 Draped Bust dime, you’re holding the final chapter of America’s first dime series — and the 1807 dime value may surprise you. The Philadelphia Mint struck around 165,000 silver dimes in 1807, the only year this denomination was produced (no dimes were made in 1806), and every single one is genuinely scarce today.

Condition shapes everything: a heavily worn example in Good grade starts around $794, while a sharply preserved Mint State specimen can reach $18,948 or more. The finest known, graded MS66 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), sold for $76,375 in 2015.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just found one in an old collection, knowing how to read your coin’s grade is the essential first step to understanding its real worth.

 

1807 Dime Value By Variety

The table below breaks down the 1807 dime value across different grades, giving you a clear picture of how condition affects what your coin is worth.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1807 Dime Worth Money

Auction records from 2009 to the present reveal a steep value curve tied directly to certified grade. The top result for an 1807 dime is $76,375, achieved by an MS66-graded example — the highest grade ever certified for this date. The sharp jump from MS64 to MS65/MS66 reflects the extreme scarcity of well-preserved survivors in those upper tiers.

The 1807 issue was generally poorly struck using worn, repolished dies, meaning Mint State examples are genuinely scarce even in lower uncirculated grades and nearly impossible to find in Gem condition. This structural production weakness is a key driver behind the exponential premiums placed on any example that avoided heavy circulation.

The JR-1 die variety commands a consistent premium over the standard issue at equivalent grades, as it represents a distinct and separately cataloged die pairing with its own survival population. The auction record for the JR-1 stands at $60,000, achieved by an MS66+ example in 2022.

From a long-term perspective, the historical significance and scarcity of Draped Bust dimes have supported steady value appreciation. High-grade 1807 dimes remain a benchmark of early American silver coinage.

 

History of the 1807 Dime

The 1807 dime holds a unique place in American numismatic history as the final issue of the Draped Bust series. The idea of a ten-cent coin dated back to 1783, when Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and the first Mint Director David Rittenhouse all advocated for a decimal coinage system — making the 1807 dime a direct product of the Founding Fathers’ monetary vision.

Interestingly, researcher R.W. Julian attributes the delayed debut of the dime until 1796 — years after other denominations — largely to a lack of public demand. Commercial needs at the time were already met by Spanish reales then circulating widely, and silver depositors at the Mint preferred large coins like dollars over small ones like dimes.

By the time the 1807 dime was struck, the Heraldic Eagle reverse — modeled after the Great Seal of the United States and featuring a shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum, arrows, and an olive branch — had been in use for nearly a decade. The 1807 issue was the last to carry this combination of Draped Bust obverse and Heraldic Eagle reverse.

Its retirement was driven by practical necessity: concern over counterfeiting. Each working die for the Heraldic Eagle design required between 34 and 37 individually hand-applied design elements. When engraver John Reich joined the Mint in 1807, his redesigned Capped Bust type cut that number to just 24, improving both production efficiency and die uniformity — making coins harder to counterfeit. The resulting Capped Bust dime debuted in 1809.

The 1807 dime thus represents the closing chapter of the Draped Bust era, bridging the republic’s earliest coinage experiments with the more standardized production methods that would define American minting for decades to come.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List (Year Chart)

 

Is Your 1807 Dime Rare?

Discover where your 1807 Dime ranks among America’s rarest coins — check its true rarity and value instantly with the Coin Value Checker App.

 

Key Features of the 1807 Dime

The 1807 Draped Bust dime holds a unique position in American numismatic history as the final issue of the series. All 1807 Draped Bust dimes were struck at the Philadelphia Mint — the sole U.S. Mint operating at the time — making it the last time the Draped Bust/Heraldic Eagle design combination appeared on any U.S. dime.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, areas of light striking are the rule rather than the exception for this date, meaning nearly all 1807 examples show some flatness of stars or other details. Experts at NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) specifically caution buyers to avoid settling for flashy, lustrous pieces that are largely lacking in detail, since patience will be rewarded with the rare, sharply struck example. Well-preserved specimens are particularly sought after precisely because strong strikes are so uncommon.

The Obverse of the 1807 Dime

The obverse features the Draped Bust of Liberty, adapted by Chief Engraver Robert Scot from a sketch originally attributed to noted portraitist Gilbert Stuart — reportedly prepared at the urging of President George Washington himself. The model for Liberty is believed to have been Ann Willing Bingham, a Philadelphia socialite considered among the most celebrated women in the city at the time. (Recent scholarship by numismatic historians has raised some doubt about Stuart’s direct involvement; if Stuart was not the artist, the likely creator was Scot himself, with assistance from sculptor John Eckstein.)

Liberty faces right with flowing hair tied by a ribbon and a loosely draped neckline evoking classical antiquity. The word “LIBERTY” arcs along the upper rim, the date “1807” appears at the bottom center, and thirteen stars ring the portrait — seven to the left and six to the right.

The Reverse of the 1807 Dime

The reverse displays the Heraldic Eagle style, patterned after the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle appears at center with a shield on its breast and a ribbon bearing the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in its beak.

Above the eagle is an arc of clouds, below which are stars, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounding the design. Notably, there is no indication of value or denomination — a characteristic of all coins in this series.

Other Features of the 1807 Dime

The 1807 Draped Bust dime is composed of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper, measures 19.80 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 2.70 grams. It carries a reeded edge, with specifications established under the Coinage Act of 1792. As with all issues in the Draped Bust series, no mint mark appears on the coin, as the Philadelphia Mint was the sole operating U.S. Mint facility at the time.

The 1807 dime is one of only eight dates produced in the Draped Bust/Heraldic Eagle type (no coins were made bearing dates 1799 or 1806), contributing to a total Heraldic Eagle dime production of just 422,010 pieces across the entire series — making every date genuinely scarce.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

1807 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1807 dime was struck in a total mintage of 165,000 — all at the Philadelphia Mint. Of those, an estimated 1,000 examples are believed to survive today, representing a survival rate of just 0.61%.

The early dime’s purchasing power of roughly $2.00 in today’s money meant it circulated heavily, and many known examples are well-worn. Coins that wore beyond legibility were routinely melted and recycled, further reducing the surviving population.

The grade distribution skews heavily toward lower circulated grades. According to NGC’s grading guidance, the vast majority of surviving examples are heavily worn, with Mint State specimens being very rare even for the 1807 date, which is among the most available in the series. The reference book Early United States Dimes 1796–1837, authored by David J. Davis, Russell J. Logan, Allen F. Lovejoy, John W. McCloskey, and William L. Subjack — and published by the John Reich Collectors Society in 1984 — remains the definitive variety reference for these coins and is cited by both PCGS and NGC in their population and grading data.

Grading the 1807 issue presents additional challenges, as weakness of strike can cause a high-grade coin to appear more worn than it actually is. This reinforces the premium placed on certified examples that have been professionally evaluated by PCGS or NGC.

Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Coin Value (1946-Present)

 

Understanding 1807 Dime Value: Strike Quality and Silver Composition

Unlike later U.S. dimes where “Full Bands” (FB) — meaning sharply struck central bands on the reverse torch — is a grading designation that significantly boosts value, the Draped Bust series predates that specific benchmark. For the 1807 dime, the closest equivalent standard is overall strike sharpness: how well-defined Liberty’s hair curls are, how crisp the stars appear, and how clearly the eagle’s feathers and shield are rendered.

The 1807 dime’s silver composition is 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper, giving it a melt value that tracks silver spot prices. At current silver prices around $32–$33 per troy ounce, the raw metal content is worth roughly $2.50 — far below the coin’s numismatic value in any grade. This coin’s value comes entirely from its rarity, history, and condition, not its silver content.

One important grading nuance: because PCGS and NGC grading services do not place great emphasis on strike quality alone, some of the most desirable examples don’t necessarily carry the highest numeric grades. A coin with original luster and a relatively sharp strike may be more sought after by advanced collectors than a slightly higher-graded example with flat, lifeless detail.

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1807 Dime Value

Knowing your 1807 dime value comes down to three factors: condition, variety, and current market demand. Start by examining wear on Liberty’s hair above the ear and at the forehead on the obverse, and check the eagle’s shield, head, tail, and wing edges on the reverse — these are the high points that wear first. With a survival rate of just 0.61%, even a worn example carries real numismatic weight.

The fastest way to find out what you’re holding? Use the CoinValueChecker app — snap both sides of your coin and get an instant grade and market value in seconds.

 

1807 Dime Value Guides

The 1807 dime exists in two cataloged die varieties, classified under the John Reich Collectors Society (JR) numbering system. The JR system assigns variety numbers beginning with JR-1 for the first cataloged die pairing of any given date, with subsequent pairings numbered JR-2, JR-3, and so on. Identifying which variety you own can meaningfully affect its value — particularly at higher grades where collector demand for specific die pairings is strong.

• 1807 No Mint Mark (Standard) — The more commonly encountered die pairing, attributed as the baseline issue for the date.

The relatively crude technology of the early Mint naturally produced design variations, and the 1807 issue in particular was struck from worn, overworked dies — meaning subtle differences in die state and strike quality can further distinguish individual examples within each variety. For most collectors, variety attribution is confirmed through professional certification from PCGS or NGC.

 

1807 No Mint Mark Dime Value

The 1807 No Mint Mark dime occupies a unique position in American numismatics: it is the only date that serves as the type coin for the entire Draped Bust/Heraldic Eagle series among many type set collectors, meaning demand is broad and consistent across all grade levels.

What makes this coin particularly compelling from a value standpoint is the dramatic spread between circulated and Mint State examples. A heavily worn Good-grade piece starts around $794 — already a serious collector’s coin — while a Fine example trades closer to $2,618, and the finest certified MS66 realized $76,375 at a 2015 Heritage Auctions sale. That nearly 100x gap between entry-level and top-tier reflects just how few high-grade survivors exist, and how intensely collectors compete for them when they surface.

According to Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a respected auction house with extensive experience selling early American coinage, 1805 examples tend to be better struck than 1807 — yet both dates are the most frequently encountered Mint State pieces in the Heraldic Eagle series, making the 1807 a natural entry point for collectors building a high-grade type set.

The auction record for this coin tells the full story of what collectors are actually willing to pay.

And if you’re curious about how actively this coin trades today, the market activity data below shows real-time demand.

1807 JR-1 Dime Value

The 1807 JR-1 is a separately cataloged die variety of the standard 1807 dime, identified by a specific die pairing that specialists attribute using the John Reich Collectors Society numbering system. It carries a rarity rating of 2, placing it among the more attainable varieties in the Draped Bust series — yet still scarce enough to command strong premiums across all grades.

Value follows the same condition-driven curve as the standard issue. Circulated examples in lower grades start in the high hundreds, while Gem Mint State survivors command five-figure prices. The auction record for the JR-1 stands at $60,000, achieved by an MS66+ example in 2022. A current market listing for an MS65-graded JR-1 is priced at over $42,000, reflecting sustained collector demand for well-preserved examples.

For variety collectors, the JR-1 attribution adds a layer of numismatic significance beyond the date itself — and that specificity tends to attract a dedicated, knowledgeable buyer pool that keeps prices firm. Both PCGS and NGC assign JR variety numbers on certified holders for these coins, which adds to their traceability and long-term market confidence.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1807 Dime Error List

The 1807 dime was produced under the primitive minting conditions of the early U.S. Mint, where worn dies, hand-applied design elements, and limited quality control made errors unavoidable.

While error examples are scarce given the coin’s age and low survival rate, a few distinct error types are known to exist — and each one adds a layer of rarity and collector interest beyond the standard issue.

1. 1807 Dime Die Crack Error

Die cracks are quite common on 1807 dimes due to the use of heavily worn dies. They appear as raised lines across the coin’s surface, and larger, more dramatic examples tend to command higher premiums.

These cracks occur when fractures form on the die’s surface and are gradually filled with small metal pieces as the die continues to be used. By 1807 — the final year of the Draped Bust series — dies were heavily fatigued from extended use, making significant crack examples more prevalent than on earlier dates. A minor die crack adds modest collector interest; a dramatic crack bisecting a major design element can push value meaningfully above that of a standard example.

2. 1807 Dime Curved Clip Error

A curved clip error occurs when the metal strip is not properly fed through the blanking machine, causing the punch to overlap a previously cut hole and produce an incomplete planchet. The result is a coin with a smooth, rounded section missing from its edge.

A notable example of this error — a 1807 Draped Bust dime featuring a curved clip at the two o’clock position affecting stars nine and ten on the obverse — sold for $25,200 at auction. The error caused uneven striking pressure, creating strong detail on one side and weakness on the other, which itself adds to the coin’s visual interest and collectibility.

3. 1807 Dime Adjustment Marks Error

Many 1807 dimes show mint-caused adjustment marks, which appear as parallel file marks on the coin’s surface. These were made intentionally by Mint workers who filed overweight planchets down to the correct silver weight before striking.

While not a striking error in the traditional sense, adjustment marks are an authentic product of early Mint practice and are widely collected as part of the 1807 dime’s production history. Coins with heavy, clearly visible adjustment marks on both sides are particularly noted by variety specialists, and NGC’s grading guidance notes these as a common and expected characteristic of the entire 1796–1807 dime series.

4. 1807 Dime Rotated Die Error

A rotated die error occurs when one die is misaligned during the striking process, causing the obverse and reverse to be oriented at an angle relative to each other rather than in the standard coin alignment. Most U.S. coins are struck in coin turn (180 degrees), so any significant rotation from that standard constitutes an error.

Rotated die errors on early U.S. coins like the 1807 dime are particularly notable because quality control at the early Philadelphia Mint was limited — a rotated example from this era represents a genuine production anomaly, and well-documented examples with significant rotation can command a premium above a standard issue in equivalent grade.

 

Where to Sell Your 1807 Dime?

After determining what your coins are worth, you’re probably wondering about convenient online selling options. I’ve researched and compiled a guide to the best platforms, outlining their services, pros, and cons.

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

 

FAQ about the 1807 Dime Value

1. What is the 1807 dime?

The 1807 dime is a Draped Bust silver dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint — the only U.S. Mint operating at the time. It is the final year of the Draped Bust/Heraldic Eagle design, making it historically significant as the closing issue of America’s first dime series. The design was replaced by the Capped Bust type in 1809 after engraver John Reich joined the Mint in 1807 and redesigned the coin to use fewer individually hand-applied die elements.

2. How much is a 1807 dime worth in 2026?

Value depends almost entirely on condition. A well-worn example in Good grade starts around $794, while a Fine example trades closer to $2,618. The finest certified example, graded MS66, realized $76,375 at Heritage Auctions in 2015. Problem-free examples at every grade command a premium over cleaned or damaged pieces, which receive a “Details” designation from PCGS or NGC and sell for significantly less.

3. Why does my 1807 dime look weakly struck?

This is normal for the date. Weak centers and borders are extremely common for 1807 dimes specifically — according to NGC, weak strikes became the rule rather than the exception toward the end of the Draped Bust series. This weakness can make a high-grade coin appear more worn than it actually is; in that case, grade should be determined by the amount of remaining mint luster, not detail sharpness alone.

4. Does the 1807 dime have a mint mark?

No. All 1807 Draped Bust dimes were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only active U.S. Mint facility at the time, and thus bear no mint mark. The Philadelphia Mint did not begin placing a “P” mint mark on dimes until 1980, so the absence of a mint mark on any Draped Bust dime is normal and expected — it is not an error.

5. What is the rarest 1807 dime variety?

The two cataloged varieties for 1807 are the standard No Mint Mark issue and the JR-1, classified under the John Reich Collectors Society (JR) numbering system. The JR-1 carries a rarity rating of 2, making it scarce but attainable. In high grades, the JR-1 commands premiums over the standard issue — the auction record for a JR-1 is $60,000 for an MS66+ example sold in 2022.

6. Is the 1807 dime made of real silver?

Yes. The 1807 dime is composed of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper, giving it a small intrinsic silver value based on its 2.70-gram weight. At current silver prices around $32–$33 per ounce, the metal content is worth approximately $2.50 — far below even the lowest grade’s numismatic value. The coin’s worth to collectors far exceeds its melt value.

7. What should I look for when grading an 1807 dime?

Wear first shows on Liberty’s hair above the ear and at the forehead on the obverse. On the reverse, the high points are the shield, head, tail, and top edges of the wings. Adjustment marks, die cracks, and weak strikes are common and do not automatically reduce grade — but cleaning, scratches, or environmental damage will result in a “Details” designation and significantly lower value. Always look for original skin and luster in the fields before drawing conclusions about grade.

8. Why were no dimes minted in 1806?

No dimes carry the date 1806 (or 1799). This doesn’t necessarily mean the Mint was idle in those years — rather, the thrifty early Mint used dies as long as they remained serviceable, and coinage of a given denomination may have occurred using dies from a prior year. The absence of those dates on dimes reflects die usage practices rather than a complete halt in production.

9. Is the 1807 dime a good investment?

Because of its historical importance and scarcity, the Draped Bust Dime series is broadly considered a sound long-term hold, with values tending to hold and increase over time. The 1807 date benefits from consistent type-set demand — every collector building an early American set needs one, which keeps the buyer pool broad across market cycles. The reference work Early United States Dimes 1796–1837 by Davis, Logan, and co-authors from the John Reich Collectors Society remains the standard for variety identification, which supports long-term price transparency and collector confidence.

10. Should I get my 1807 dime certified by PCGS or NGC?

Yes, for any example worth more than a few hundred dollars, professional certification is strongly recommended. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are the two leading third-party grading services. A certified holder protects the coin’s surfaces, provides an independent grade, and assigns JR variety attribution — all of which directly support resale value. Uncertified 1807 dimes are harder to sell at full market value, particularly in higher grades, and certification also protects buyers from the risk of cleaned or altered coins that appear deceptively original.