1838 10C No Drapery, Small Stars Liberty Seated Dime
The 1838 Liberty Seated Dime with No Drapery and Small Stars is a fascinating numismatic treasure that captures an important transitional moment in U.S. coinage history. Minted at the Philadelphia Mint, this particular dime is notable for its design, which excludes drapery folds at Liberty's elbow and features small stars encircling the obverse. This design was relatively short-lived and rarity pieces are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage and Rarity
The 1838 Liberty Seated Dime had a modest mintage of 406,034 coins. Despite this seemingly moderate figure, its scarcity is enhanced due to its transitional design features and early place in the Liberty Seated series. Such transitional designs were often minted in relatively low numbers. The coin is known in the numismatic community for its adjustments to Liberty's depiction, which saw later variations involving the drapery and star sizes. The rarity of this piece is reflected in the relatively limited number of coins surviving in high grades, making it a prized asset for collectors.
Design Details
The obverse of the coin showcases Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a cap with the words "LIBERTY" on her shield. The absence of drapery folds on Liberty's elbow and the small stars are key distinguishing factors, setting this coin apart from later issues. The reverse displays the denomination within a wreath.
Values and Notable Sales
The value of the 1838 10C No Drapery, Small Stars dime can vary significantly based on its condition. Generally, coins in good condition can command prices starting in the high hundreds of dollars and escalate into the several thousands, particularly for coins in mint state. It's not uncommon for examples in higher mint state grades to achieve impressive values at auction due to their desirability and scarcity. For instance, well-documented auction sales have seen Mint State (MS) graded examples reaching into the $20,000 to $30,000 range. These prices underscore the historic significance and collector interest surrounding this particular coin.
Numismatic Importance
From a numismatist's perspective, the 1838 Liberty Seated Dime serves as a historical artifact representing an era of experimentation and change within U.S. minting practices. It highlights the evolving designs used in the Seated Liberty series, which ran from 1837 to 1891. The changes in design from No Drapery to the inclusion of drapery, and variations in star size, provide a fascinating study in coin design evolution and U.S. minting history.
PCGS CoinFacts Details
According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1838 10C No Drapery, Small Stars is cataloged under the PCGS #4571. Its significant numismatic value, combined with the fascination of its transitional design, makes it a perennial favorite among collectors who are passionate about 19th-century American coinage.
