Liberty Seated Dimes (1837-1891)

The Liberty Seated Dime was produced by the U.S. Mint for over half a century. These dimes were produced at several of the mint’s branches, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans and Carson City.

The coin’s obverse features the image of Liberty seated on a rock. Liberty is holding a shield with one hand while the other hand is holding a pole with a freedom cap on top. The coin’s reverse features a simple wreath of laurel. The coin has undergone several design alterations throughout the series.

Liberty Seated Dimes-What Dealers Pay

The value of a Seated Dime can vary based on the coin’s mint year and edition as well as its physical condition. A Legend Obverse edition in good condition may be purchased by dealers or collectors for about $10. A No Stars Obverse type in uncirculated condition, however, may be purchased by dealers and collectors for about $741. If you have a Seated Dime that is from an edition considered rare or if you have a Seated Dime that seems to be in great physical condition, you may want to consider having your coin graded by a professional coin grading service such as PCGS or NGC.

By having your coin graded by professional numismatists, you can rest assured of its metal content and authenticity. The coin grading process is quite thorough, and the grading team will account for even the most minor of imperfections in your coin. This way, you may have a very accurate idea as to what coin collectors and dealers might be willing to pay for your coin.

Liberty Seated Dime Value is Conditional

You can take a close look at your Seated Dime to try to gauge what type of condition your coin is in. Coins have many details, and they should all be thoroughly examined. Start with one as a point of reference. For example, you can start by taking a close look at the coin’s inscriptions. If the inscriptions are worn down, eroded or hard to read, then your coin may only be in good condition. If the inscriptions are readable but show signs of erosion or discoloration, then your coin may be considered to be in fine condition.

If the inscriptions are robust, with no visible signs of age-related wear and tear, then the coin could potentially be in extremely fine condition. To be assigned a grade of extremely fine, however, the coin’s details must all be in good condition so you will need to closely examine your coin’s every detail. This is time well-spent because the higher the grade and better condition the coin is in, the more potential value it may have.

Mintmarks May Be the Key to Value

Seated Dimes can have a wide range of values, and these values can be significantly affected by the coin’s mintmark. Mintmarks may be found within the wreath on the coin’s reverse if dated from 1837-1860. Dimes that were minted from 1860-1891 contain a mintmark just below the wreath. Mintmarks along with condition are two of the biggest factors considered by dealers and collectors. An 1888-S in good condition may be valued around $11 while the same coin in extremely fine condition may now be valued around $34.

Future Liberty Seated Dime Values

The Seated Dime series is considered a classic, and as such will likely always be in demand. While higher grade Seated Dimes can potentially command some significant value, even coins in lower grades are collectable and are affordable for even small collectors.