Seated Liberty Dime Value
1837-1891 · 10¢ · 90% silver 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $12.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $25.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $70.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $350.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,050 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $5,250 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1871-CC | First Carson City dime, extremely rare with only 20,100 struck | $5,000–$100,000 |
| 1873-CC | No Arrows variety, only one known example | $1,000,000+ |
| 1844 | Orphan Annie dime, mintage of just 72,500 | $200–$5,000 |
| 1860-O | Transitional pattern with old reverse, 40,000 struck before Civil War | $500–$3,000 |
| 1838-O | First branch mint dime, no stars obverse | $50–$800 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Christian Gobrecht
- Years
- 1837-1891
- Denomination
- 10¢
- Composition
- 90% silver 10% copper
- Diameter
- 17.9 mm
- Weight
- 2.5 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Seated Liberty Dime: History & Background
The Seated Liberty Dime features Christian Gobrecht's iconic design of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole topped with a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom drawn from ancient Rome. The series underwent several design modifications: the original had no stars (1837-1838), stars were added around the obverse in 1838, drapery was added to Liberty's elbow in 1840, and the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA moved to the obverse in 1860. Arrows at the date in 1853-1855 and 1873-1874 indicate weight changes. This 55-year series contains numerous rarities and varieties, with Carson City issues from 1871 to 1878 particularly prized by collectors.
How to Grade a Seated Liberty Dime
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Seated Liberty Dime Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Seated Liberty Dimes is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $12.00 in Poor to $350.00 in Uncirculated — a 29× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $1,050 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Seated Liberty Dime series has 5 notable key dates. The 1871-CC is valued at $5,000–$100,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 90% silver 10% copper and a weight of 2.5g, the Seated Liberty Dime carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Seated Liberty Dime (17.9mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Seated Liberty Dime
The Seated Liberty Dime (1837-1891) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this 10¢ coin was struck in 90% silver 10% copper with a diameter of 17.9mm and weight of 2.5 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Seated Liberty Dime series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $70.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 5 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Seated Liberty Dime in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $1,050+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Seated Liberty Dime valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Seated Liberty Dime: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Seated Liberty Dime worth today?
A Seated Liberty Dime (1837-1891) is worth between $12.00 in Poor condition and $350.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $70.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $1,050 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Seated Liberty Dime?
The most valuable Seated Liberty Dime is the 1871-CC — first carson city dime, extremely rare with only 20,100 struck. This date is valued at $5,000–$100,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Seated Liberty Dime?
Grading a Seated Liberty Dime starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$70.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$350.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Seated Liberty Dimes?
For common-date Seated Liberty Dimes in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Seated Liberty Dime?
Yes. Known Seated Liberty Dime errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Seated Liberty Dime is real?
Authentic Seated Liberty Dimes weigh 2.5 grams and measure 17.9 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 90% silver 10% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Seated Liberty Dime the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Seated Liberty Dimes are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $325.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1871-CC command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Seated Liberty Dimes were made?
The Seated Liberty Dime was produced from 1837-1891. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1871-CC is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Seated Liberty Dime?
Never clean a Seated Liberty Dime or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Seated Liberty Dime a good investment?
Seated Liberty Dimes in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Seated Liberty Dime dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.