For nearly half a century, the Liberty Seated Dime was produced by the U.S. Mint. Minted initially at the Philadelphia and New Orleans branches only, these Silver coins were later struck in other cities, including San Francisco and Carson City. The series began in 1837 and was produced continuously through 1891.
Obverse features of this coin include Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in one hand. In her other hand, she holds a short pole topped with a freedom cap, suggestive of a small flag. In the beginning, the Liberty Seated Dimes included no stars on the obverse.
This design paid homage to Christian Gobrecht’s Silver Dollar of 1836. Made at the Philadelphia Mint in 1837 and the New Orleans Mint in 1938, the original reverse included a simple inscription and wreath.
Beginning in 1839, stars were added to the obverse, while drapery was added to Miss Liberty’s elbow in 1840. The coin has undergone several design alterations throughout the series, notably the inclusion of arrows around the date from 1853 to 1855.
LIBERTY SEATED DIME VARIETY
Dependent upon the mint year of each coin, as well as the design edition and physical quality, the value of a Liberty Seated Dime can vary considerably. The Legend on Obverse edition, made from 1860 through 1873, replaced stars with “United States of America” and, if found in good condition, may be purchased by dealers or collectors for about $16.
The original No Stars on Obverse coin, also known as Variety 1, may be sold to dealers and collectors for $750 or more in uncirculated condition.
If you have Seated Dimes that seem to be in great physical condition or were struck with a design that is considered rare, have your coins graded by a professional coin grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
When you have your coins graded by a professional numismatist, they will not only authenticate your collection but also give you insights into the metal content and standard level of quality. The modern coin grading process is extensive and reliable.
Any grading team will detect and report even the most minor imperfections in your coin.
LIBERTY SEATED DIME GRADING
Some observations about the condition of a Seated Dime can be made quickly at home by taking a closer look. For example, on the 1838-1840 sub-type Without Drapery, the higher relief minting can lead to accelerated wear on the surface.
This damage is indicated by a lack of detectable detailing and an inconsistent level of legibility to the word, “Liberty.”
Coins have many details and they should all be thoroughly examined. Start with one as a point of reference and place other coins either higher or lower in terms of condition based on your own personal evaluation. For example, you can start by taking a close look at the coin’s inscriptions.
If the images and text are worn down, eroded or hard to read, your coin may only be in Good condition. If the words and letters are readable but show signs of erosion or discoloration, your coin may be considered in Fine condition.
Other signs of wear to look for include rims that have been rubbed away and wreaths with leaves that have become indiscernible.
If the inscriptions are robust with no visible signs of age-related wear and tear, the coin could be in what is called Extremely Fine condition. To be assigned a grade of Extremely Fine, all details on both sides of the coin must be in near-perfect condition, so carefully examine every aspect.
With Seated Dimes, even the hairlines of Lady Liberty must be looked at with scrutiny.
 FUTURE LIBERTY SEATED DIME VALUES
| DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1837 Liberty Seated Dimes | $45 | $100 | $500 | $1100 |
| 1838O Liberty Seated Dimes | $90 | $180 | $800 | $3600 |
| 1838, Small Stars Liberty Seated Dimes | $30 | $55 | $175 | $700 |
| 1839 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $145 | $800 |
| 1840, Liberty Seated Dimes, No Drapery | $20 | $30 | $150 | $425 |
| 1841 Liberty Seated Dimes, Drapery | $20 | $30 | $60 | $425 |
| 1842 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $50 | $400 |
| 1843 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $50 | $475 |
| 1844 Liberty Seated Dimes | $175 | $375 | $1100 | $4000 |
| 1845 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $50 | $400 |
| 1846 Liberty Seated Dimes | $200 | $600 | $2500 | $15000 |
| 1847 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $40 | $180 | $1500 |
| 1848 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $32 | $85 | $725 |
| 1849 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $75 | $375 |
| 1850 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $60 | $300 |
| 1851 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $70 | $425 |
| 1852 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $30 | $60 | $300 |
| 1853 Liberty Seated Dimes, with Arrows | $20 | $25 | $50 | $325 |
| 1854 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $25 | $50 | $325 |
| 1855 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $25 | $60 | $325 |
| 1856 Liberty Seated Dimes, Large Date | $40 | $90 | $180 | $600 |
| 1857 Liberty Seated Dimes | $16 | $20 | $50 | $300 |
| 1858 Liberty Seated Dimes | $16 | $20 | $50 | $300 |
| 1859 Liberty Seated Dimes | $20 | $22 | $60 | $300 |
| 1860 Liberty Seated Dimes | $16 | $20 | $40 | $200 |
| 1861 Liberty Seated Dimes (a) | $16 | $20 | $40 | $200 |
| 1862 Liberty Seated Dimes | $16 | 425 | $40 | $185 |
| 1863 Liberty Seated Dimes | $600 | $950 | $1150 | $1500 |
| 1864 Liberty Seated Dimes | $300 | $650 | $1000 | $1200 |
| 1865 Liberty Seated Dimes | $425 | $750 | $1000 | $1300 |
| 1866 Liberty Seated Dimes | $725 | $1100 | $1600 | $2000 |
| 1867 Liberty Seated Dimes | $600 | $900 | $1100 | $1500 |
| 1868 Liberty Seated Dimes | $18 | $30 | $65 | $300 |
| 1869 Liberty Seated Dimes | $22 | $40 | $120 | $400 |
| 1870 Liberty Seated Dimes | $16 | $25 | $50 | $200 |
| 1871 Liberty Seated Dimes | $16 | $25 | $50 | $250 |
| 1872 Liberty Seated Dimes | $18 | $25 | $40 | $175 |
| 1873 Liberty Seated Dimes | $18 | $26 | $150 | $550 |
| 1874 Liberty Seated Dimes | $18 | $25 | $150 | $600 |
| 1875 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1876 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1877 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1878 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1879 Liberty Seated Dimes | $200 | $325 | $500 | $575 |
| 1880 Liberty Seated Dimes | $150 | $250 | $400 | $650 |
| 1881 Liberty Seated Dimes | $160 | $260 | $425 | $675 |
| 1882 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1883 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1884 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1885 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1886 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1887 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1888 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1889 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1890 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
| 1891 Liberty Seated Dimes | $15 | $20 | $35 | $150 |
