Seated Liberty Dime 1837 - 1891
Seated Liberty Dime 1837 - 1891: identify, compare, and value
Use this page to identify details collectors compare, understand value clues, and check current market examples.
Value Guide Summary
Use this page to understand what this collectible is, what details collectors usually compare, and where to check current market examples.
What collectors look for
Original condition, age, maker marks, materials, completeness, unusual variants, and documented history usually matter most.
How to identify examples
Compare markings, construction details, finish, size, period-correct materials, and known design features before assuming authenticity.
Value clues
Rarity, demand, condition, eye appeal, provenance, and whether similar examples are actively selling can all affect market value.
Red flags
Watch for reproductions, heavy restoration, replaced parts, fantasy pieces, unclear photos, and listings with vague descriptions.
1837-38 Seated Liberty Dime Without Stars
The initial production of the 1837 No-Stars Seated Liberty dimes consisted of approximately 30 proof coins, which Director Patterson distributed as presentation pieces. Today, only around 20 of these proofs are known to exist. One distinctive feature of these proofs is a clearly visible raised spur, a die defect located above the first "T" in "STATES" on the reverse side of the coin. Additionally, there is a faint die scratch running through "ES" in "STATES" and extending toward the "O" in "OF." The act of striking proofs multiple times accentuated these distinctive defects. The same die was used for regular coinage as well, but the defects were less prominent due to the single strike.
The standard 1837 issue saw a mintage of 682,500 and featured both large and small date varieties. Typically, these coins exhibit good strikes, with occasional weakness in the lines of the shield. Many of these coins were preserved as souvenirs during their first year of issuance, and gem-quality pieces are frequently encountered. Due to incomplete records, the 1838 New Orleans issue's mintage remains uncertain, but estimates suggest a range between 406,000 and 490,000 coins were produced. Mintmarks for this issue were placed beneath the word "Dime." The 1838-O dimes are often characterized by soft strikes, especially in Liberty's head and the central parts of the design, likely due to immediate and heavy circulation. Mint state examples of these coins are considered rare.
1838-60 Seated Liberty Dime With Stars
A dime held considerable value, equivalent to nearly two hours' pay at the Stevens mill. Therefore, the American public paid close attention to the introduction of the Seated Liberty dime, which began appearing in pocket change around this time. In fact, this coin had already made its debut in 1837, a year prior. However, in 1838, the United States Mint introduced a significant alteration to its design by adding 13 stars along the obverse border surrounding the central portrayal of Liberty. These stars would remain a distinctive feature until 1860, marking the "Stars Obverse" dimes as a prominent and separate element within the Seated Liberty series.
In 1838, very few coins of any denomination were in circulation for most Americans. The economic depression had led to the hoarding of federal coinage, with so-called "Hard Times tokens" widely used as substitutes for money. When coins did emerge, they were likely to include Seated Liberty pieces. During the late 1830s, the new design wasn't exclusive to the dime but also extended to all four other silver coins issued at the time: the half dime, quarter dollar, half dollar, and dollar.
1853-55 Seated Liberty Dime With Arrows
The initial Arrows dimes were actually proofs, included in five sets that featured the newly designed coinage. Regular production commenced in April of 1853, and an abundance of these coins began flowing from the mints. Out of a total production of nearly 21.5 million dimes minted from 1853 to 1855, the Philadelphia Mint alone produced over 12 million in 1853. The intentions of Congress appeared to have been achieved, marking the first time in U.S. history when there was a sufficient supply of fractional U.S. coins available for everyday commerce. Foreign silver coins were largely withdrawn from circulation and re-minted into U.S. denominations. While many of the initial dimes of this type were initially hoarded, the sheer volume of these coins entering circulation convinced hoarders to release their stockpiles.
This three-year series encompasses five date and mint combinations. Arrows dimes were produced annually in Philadelphia (lacking a mintmark) and in New Orleans (marked with an "O") in 1853 and 1854. Mintmarks can be located above the bow of the wreath on the reverse side. Among these, the 1853 Philadelphia issue is most frequently encountered in gem uncirculated condition. Conversely, the 1853 New Orleans issue is the rarest within the series, particularly in mint state. The 1854-O also occasionally appears in high grade, with a small hoard of approximately 18 pieces surfacing in 1981. Additionally, a limited number of proofs were struck in 1854 and 1855, although the exact quantity remains unknown. While collectors can pursue all five issues based on date and mint, the primary appeal of this concise series lies in its five major varieties of Seated Liberty dimes. When assessing the condition of these coins, initial wear typically becomes apparent on Liberty's knee, breast, and head on the obverse. On the reverse side, close attention should be given to the highpoints of the bow and leaves.
