Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1838-1853, 1856-1860
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.67 grams (41.20 grains, 1838 to 1853), 2.49 grams (38.42 grains, 1856 to 1860)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 42,962,915
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 1,500 pieces

A Defining Era in U.S. Coinage – The Liberty Seated Dime with Stars

The 1838–1860 Liberty Seated dimes with stars on the obverse marked ... Read More

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1838-1853, 1856-1860
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.67 grams (41.20 grains, 1838 to 1853), 2.49 grams (38.42 grains, 1856 to 1860)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 42,962,915
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 1,500 pieces

A Defining Era in U.S. Coinage – The Liberty Seated Dime with Stars

The 1838–1860 Liberty Seated dimes with stars on the obverse marked a visual update to one of the most beloved designs in American numismatics. Building upon Christian Gobrecht’s original starless design of 1837, the addition of 13 stars around Liberty gave the dime a more balanced, emblematic appearance. This design was struck across three mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and, for a brief time in 1860, San Francisco.

Liberty is depicted seated on a rock, holding a liberty cap on a pole in her left hand, with a shield in her right. The reverse features an open agricultural wreath encircling ONE DIME, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the rim. Earlier issues in this series (1838–early 1840) lack drapery at Liberty’s elbow, a variety of interest to many specialists.

Why Collect This Type:

✅ First Liberty Seated Dimes with Stars – Historic Obverse Modification
✅ Produced at Three Major U.S. Mints – Including scarce O- and S-mint issues
✅ Key Dates Include 1844 ‘Orphan Annie’ Dime and 1856–1860 San Francisco issues
✅ Extensive Die Variety Landscape – Ideal for advanced collectors and specialists
Rarity and Collecting Insights:

1838–1840 "No Drapery" Varieties are popular among Liberty Seated type collectors.
1844 Dime – “Orphan Annie” Issue: With a mintage of 72,500, it remains one of the most mysterious and sought-after Liberty Seated dimes. Despite its mintage, it is rarer than many lower-production issues.

1845-O, 1846, 1856-S, and 1859-S Dimes are particularly scarce, especially in higher grades.

1853–1855 "Arrows at Date" Type – Reflects a temporary weight adjustment and is often treated as a subtype.

New Orleans and San Francisco Mint coins are elusive in all grades; Mint State examples are exceptionally rare.

While Good to Extremely Fine examples are commonly seen for many dates, About Uncirculated and Uncirculated dimes of this series—particularly from the 1840s and branch mints—are genuinely scarce. MS65 or better coins are rarely offered and are highly prized among Liberty Seated specialists.

Available Grades:

We offer certified coins from PCGS and NGC, typically in:

Good to Very Fine (G4–VF35)
Extremely Fine (EF40–EF45)
About Uncirculated (AU50–AU58)
Occasionally Mint State (MS60 and above)
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Secure Your Liberty Seated Dime with Stars Today
From the enigmatic 1844 Orphan Annie dime to elusive S-mint early issues, the 1838–1860 Liberty Seated dimes offer both beauty and intrigue. Whether you're building a U.S. dime type set, chasing New Orleans rarities, or investing in scarce 19th-century silver coinage, this series offers unmatched depth and collecting appeal.

Explore our inventory today or contact us to locate a specific date, mintmark, or condition for your collection.