Seated Liberty Dime
1837 - 1891
Seated Liberty Dime
The Seated Liberty Dime was designed by Christian Gobrecht and first minted in 1837. The obverse features Lady Liberty sitting on a rock, in her right hand she holds the Union Shield inscribed with the word “LIBERTY” and in her left hand she holds a long staff. The reverse side of the 1837 dime is very simple with “One Dime” in the center encircled by a laurel wreath which is tied at the bottom with a bow and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” in an arc along the top.
The 1837 issue was minted in two varieties; Large Date and Small Date. The Small Date variety is a little more rare than the Large Date. The easiest way to differentiate the two varieties is to look at the “3″ and “7″ in the date.
- Large Date - The number “3″ has a pointed looking top and the top of the “7″ is straight.
- Small Date - The top of the number “3″ is rounded and the top of the “7″ has a bulge.
During the 55 years of the Seated Liberty Dime’s lifespan the series saw eight design changes. The changes were made in response to economic conditions and the desire to standardize the designs on US silver coins. Note: The Seated Liberty design was used on all US silver coins of the time period.
Seated Liberty Dime
In 1838 the coin was modified by the addition of thirteen stars on the reverse; six stars on the right side and seven on the left. In 1853 the coin’s design was modified again. Two arrowheads were added to the obverse, one on each side of the date. In 1860, the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” was removed from the reverse and place on the observe. The laurel wreath was changed to a wreath of oak leaves, corn, maple and wheat and the arrowheads were removed from the obverse. However, in 1873 the arrowheads were once again added to the design.
The Seated Liberty Dime is by far the most easily obtained of all the Seated Liberty coins. In a decent grade the prices are somewhat high, but are much more in reach than the quarter, half or dollar. While there are quite a few dedicated collectors of the Seated Liberty Dime, or Seated Liberty coins in general, most collectors who buy them are interested in type or 19th century coins. Either way, every coin collector should have at least one nice high grade example of this beautiful coin.
Seated Liberty Dime Specifications:
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Weight:
- 1837 - 1852 2.67 g
- 1853 - 1873 2.49 g
- 1873 - 1891 2.5 g
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Net Weight:
- 1837 - 1852 0.08584 oz pure silver
- 1853 - 1873 0.08584 oz pure silver
- 1873 - 1891 0.08038 oz pure silver