1856

Large Date 

     


Mintage: Estimated at 150,000                                                                  Proofs: None Known

Top
100

Var#

Obv

Rev

DR

 

Obverse / Reverse Quick Diagnostics

Ahwash

Greer

 

101

1

A

0R

 

 Very High Date, Misplaced 6 Digit / Die Lines Bridging (DI)ME

A-1

 

 

102

2

B

0L

 

 All Digits Touch Base / Die Line Behind Right Ribbon Bow

 

 

 

103

3

C

0C

 

 Very High Date, Downward Slope / Perfect Die

 

 

 

103a

3.2

C

0C

 

 Lapped Die, Weak Date and Stars 1 Through 3

 

 

 

104

4

D

0C

 

 Very High Date, 85 Touch Base / Perfect Die

 

 


Scarcity: Available in the lower circulated grades but becomes very scarce in EF or better.  Large Date dimes are rare
in Mint State and the recent upward adjustment in Coin World Values pricing is more reflective of their scarcity.
 
Updated Greer Rarity Ratings
Overall Rarity: G-VG R2+, F-VF R3-, EF-AU R4-, MS R5+

                                Fortin Variety Rarity Estimates In VF - Mint State

Variety

Rarity

Suggested Premiums

Variety

Rarity

Suggested Premiums

101

R3

-

103a

R4+

30-50%

102

R3

-

104

R3

-

103

R4

30-50%

 

 

 

Comments: Large Date dimes come well struck with occasional weakness on Liberty's head.  Examples with die cracks are rare
indicating a limited usage of the dies for each date position variety.  The two listing for Obverse 3 are the most difficult
to locate.  I consider the lapped obverse die variety to be an R4 rarity in grades of EF or better.  In the Gobrecht Journal, 
Issue #12, Ken Hill first identified the four different obverse dies.  He listed these dies as Varieties I, II, III and IV 
in the same sequential order that I have listed Varieties 101 through 104.  This date is popular due to its low estimated 
mintage.  However, the estimate should be questioned given the frequency of appearance of Large Date 1856 dimes.

October 2012 Comment:  Current CoinValues pricing in Mint State grades is too low and not representative of historical 
availability.  In grades of EF or better the pricing premium for 1856 Large Dates against the common 1856 Small Dates is 
inadequate.  

                               Value As A Date (Coin World Trends/CoinValues

Grade

1963

1973

1983

1993

2003

2012

G

2

2.75

10.5

7

20

18

F

4.5

5.5

22

15

30

25

EF

-

17.5

70

55

100

55

MS60

25

115

485

275

800

400

MS63

-

-

-

1000

1500

800

 

1856 Large Date Gallery

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