Seated Liberty Dime Values & Mintages

Grading tips

LIBERTY on the shield is the key: a full, readable LIBERTY marks a coin in Fine or better. Then check Liberty's head and knee.

Fifty five years of one design

Christian Gobrecht's Seated Liberty design was used on the dime from 1837 to 1891, longer than any earlier dime design. It started on the silver dollar and spread to every silver coin from the half dime to the dollar. The basic figure of Liberty on a rock never changed, but the details around her did, which gives the series its several types.

Collectors usually count six: No Stars (1837 to 1838), Stars without drapery (1838 to 1840), Stars with drapery (1840 to 1859, with the 1860-S), Arrows (1853 to 1855), Legend (1860 to 1891) and Legend with Arrows (1873 to 1874). A type set of Seated dimes is a popular goal because each type can be found in worn grades without much trouble, except the No Stars coins, which carry a bigger collector premium.

Four mints and a long list of keys

Seated dimes were struck at Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and Carson City. Mintages swing from more than 15 million to a few thousand, which is why the series has so many key dates. The Civil War Philadelphia issues of 1863 to 1867, the early San Francisco coins and the Carson City dimes of 1871 to 1874 are the hardest. The 1873-CC without arrows is unique and beyond the reach of nearly every collector.

Branch mint dimes are found more often in low grades because they circulated hard in the South and West. A Carson City dime with no damage is unusual.

Grading and checking a Seated dime

The scroll across Liberty's shield is the main grading point. If every letter of LIBERTY is clear, the coin is at least Fine. If only some letters show, it is in Very Good or Good. Above that, look at the high points: Liberty's head, breast and knee on the obverse and the top of the wreath on the reverse.

Scarce dates attract altered dates and added or removed mint marks, so look at the date and the mint mark under magnification. Many Seated dimes have been cleaned, which leaves fine hairlines and an unnatural shine. A coin with original gray or toned surfaces is the better buy, even if it looks less bright.

Frequently asked questions