1838-P Seated Liberty Dime

Liberty Seated Dime
1837–1891

Throughout its fifty-four years of production, the Liberty Seated Dime underwent numerous design changes. It was originally designed by engraver Christian Gobrecht in 1836 and his design was struck on new dimes the following year. Gobrecht’s design was featured on silver coinage including the half dime, quarter, half dollar, and silver dollar. The Liberty Seated Dime was preceded by the Capped Bust Dime and succeeded by the Barber Dime.

For the Liberty Seated Dime, there are a few defining features that are present in all variations of the design. On the obverse of the coin, Lady Liberty is seated on a rock with a shield in one hand and staff in the other. On the shield, the word, “LIBERTY,” is inscribed in a scroll. On top of the staff in her other hand is a freedom cap. The date can be found below the rock.

The Liberty Seated Dime’s design was first modified in 1838. In its original design from 1837 to 1838, there were no stars on the coin. In the new design, thirteen stars surrounding Liberty were added to represent the thirteen original colonies. In 1840, a second design change occurred on the obverse, which added drapery to Liberty’s elbow in addition to other minor alterations. From 1853 to 1855, dimes were minted with two arrows at either side of the date. In 1860, the thirteen stars were replaced by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Lastly, in 1873, arrows were once again added to both sides of the minting date.

Meanwhile, the reverse also went through a redesign from its original form. The first Liberty Seated Dimes featured a laurel wreath with a bow tied at the bottom. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” was inscribed around the wreath and the denomination “ONE DIME” was encircled within the wreath. In 1860, the laurel wreath was replaced by an agricultural wreath and the denomination inscription was written in a taller font. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” was also removed from the reverse and put on the obverse. Before 1860, the mint mark was featured inside the wreath, above the bow. After 1860, the mint mark was below the wreath.

Liberty Seated Dimes were minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City. While Philadelphia dimes had no mint mark at this time, “S” represented the San Francisco Mint, “O”  represented the New Orleans Mint, and “CC” represented the Carson City Mint. The rarest dime in the series is the 1873-CC with no arrows. Other key dates include 1871-CC, 1872-CC, and 1874-CC.

 
Specifications
Weight: 2.67 grams (1837–1853); 2.49 grams (1853–1873); 2.5 grams (1873–1891)
Composition: 90% Silver (0.007234 troy oz), 10% Copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Edge: Reeded
Mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, Carson City