Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1837 (Philadelphia) 1838-0 (New Orleans)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.67 grams (41.20 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 1,088,534
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 50 pieces

The First Liberty Seated Dime – A Transitional Classic

The Liberty Seated dime without stars, issued in 1837 and 1838, marks the beginning of one of the longest-running design series in ... Read More

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1837 (Philadelphia) 1838-0 (New Orleans)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.67 grams (41.20 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 1,088,534
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 50 pieces

The First Liberty Seated Dime – A Transitional Classic

The Liberty Seated dime without stars, issued in 1837 and 1838, marks the beginning of one of the longest-running design series in American numismatics. Featuring the iconic Christian Gobrecht design, these dimes are among the most aesthetically appealing of all U.S. silver coins.

Struck in Philadelphia in 1837 and at the New Orleans Mint in 1838 (1838-O), this subtype showcases Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a liberty cap in her left hand and a shield in her right. The obverse is notably starless, enhancing its cameo-like appearance. The reverse features a delicate open wreath encircling ONE DIME, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding.

Why Collect This Type:

✅ First Year of the Liberty Seated Dime Series
✅ Striking Starless Obverse Design – Used Only Two Years
✅ Only U.S. Dime Design Without Obverse Stars
✅ Desirable First-Year and Branch Mint Issues (1837 & 1838-O)
Mintage and Rarity:

1837 (Philadelphia): 682,500 struck. The more available of the two issues, including in Mint State, likely due to it being the first year of issue.
1838-O (New Orleans): 406,034 officially reported. Far rarer in all grades—Uncirculated examples are great rarities, and premium-quality pieces are seldom offered.
Many 1837 dimes were saved, likely due to their novelty as the debut of the Liberty Seated series. In contrast, the 1838-O dime was produced in smaller batches over two years, and its early strikes were distributed ceremonially, including pieces placed in the cornerstone of the New American Theatre in New Orleans—adding to its historical mystique.

Typical Grades Offered:

Circulated: Good (G4) to Very Fine (VF30) – ideal for type collectors
Extremely Fine to AU: Scarce, especially for 1838-O
Mint State (MS60+): Readily available for 1837; exceedingly rare for 1838-O
Prooflike / Presentation Examples: Occasionally encountered for 1837 only

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Own the First Liberty Seated Dime Design Today
Whether you’re a type set builder, an early U.S. silver coin collector, or a seeker of historically significant mint issues, the 1837–1838 Liberty Seated Dime (No Stars Obverse) is an essential addition to any serious cabinet.

🛒 Explore available inventory now or contact us for help locating high-grade or rare varieties such as the elusive 1838-O in AU or better.