Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1860-1873, 1875-1891
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.49 grams (38.42 grains, 1860 to 1873), 2.5 grams (38.58 grains, 1875-1891)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 175,889,677
Proof Mintage: 25,403

A Transitional Classic: Liberty Seated Dimes with Obverse Legend

The 1860–1891 Liberty Seated dime marks a notable evolution in American coin design. Beginning in 1860, the U.S. Mint moved ... Read More

Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1860-1873, 1875-1891
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.49 grams (38.42 grains, 1860 to 1873), 2.5 grams (38.58 grains, 1875-1891)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 175,889,677
Proof Mintage: 25,403

A Transitional Classic: Liberty Seated Dimes with Obverse Legend

The 1860–1891 Liberty Seated dime marks a notable evolution in American coin design. Beginning in 1860, the U.S. Mint moved the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA from the reverse to the obverse, replacing the traditional 13 stars. A newly engraved thicker agricultural wreath adorned the reverse, enclosing the denomination ONE DIME—a design that remained unchanged for over three decades.

The Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans (1860 only), and Carson City Mints all contributed to this long-running issue. While many dates are accessible, the series offers noteworthy rarities and low-mintage key dates, making it a rewarding pursuit for both type collectors and specialists.

Why Collect This Liberty Seated Dime:

✅ Key Transition Design – Obverse legend introduced in 1860
✅ Extensive date and mintmark variety for collectors
✅ Notable rarities include the 1860-O, 1873-CC No Arrows, and early CC-mint issues
✅ Popular among type set builders and 19th-century silver enthusiasts
Key Highlights:

1860-O Dime: The only New Orleans dime of this subtype. Mintage: 40,000. Rare in all grades; extremely rare in Mint State.

Carson City Dimes (1871–1874): All scarce; 1873-CC No Arrows is unique (only 1 known).

Arrows at Date (1873–1874): A short-lived subtype indicating a slight weight increase.
San Francisco Dimes of the 1860s: Scarce in Uncirculated grades; many were exported.
Low-Mintage Philadelphia Issues (1863–1867): Especially rare in higher grades.

1879–1881 Business Strikes: Scarce due to diminished mintages during silver dollar production booms.

Proof Issues (1860–1891): Available for most Philadelphia dates; popular among collectors for their sharp strikes and beauty.

Grades Available:

Circulated: Good (G4) to Very Fine (VF35)
EF to AU examples often available for type collectors
Uncirculated coins are scarce, with MS63+ examples being highly collectible
Certified Proofs (NGC/PCGS) for Philadelphia dates when available

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Build Your Liberty Seated Dime Collection Today
Whether you’re searching for a well-struck type coin from the 1880s or a rare 1860-O or Carson City dime, the 1860–1891 Liberty Seated dime with legend obverse offers exceptional variety and enduring appeal. Its long mintage span, design elegance, and rich historical context make it a cornerstone of 19th-century American silver coinage.

🛒 Browse our inventory now or contact us to locate rarities like the 1873-CC No Arrows or high-grade 1879 Philadelphia dimes.