Collection: Type 5, Legend Obverse (1860-1891)

Liberty Seated Dimes with Legend (1860–1891): A Long-Running Series with Collectible Depth

The Liberty Seated Dime underwent a major design revision in 1860. While the obverse retained Christian Gobrecht’s seated Liberty figure, the ring of 13 stars—present since the series' inception—was removed ... Read More

Liberty Seated Dimes with Legend (1860–1891): A Long-Running Series with Collectible Depth

The Liberty Seated Dime underwent a major design revision in 1860. While the obverse retained Christian Gobrecht’s seated Liberty figure, the ring of 13 stars—present since the series' inception—was removed and replaced with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, formerly found on the reverse. On the reverse, the wreath was reconfigured into a bolder, fuller design encircling the denomination ONE DIME. This refined motif, known as the "With Legend" type, remained in use from 1860 through the final Liberty Seated dime issue in 1891.

Throughout its three-decade run, the series saw multiple mintmarks and notable rarities. Particularly scarce are the early Carson City (CC) issues of the 1870s, which remain difficult to locate in all grades and are virtually unavailable in Uncirculated condition. The With Arrows subtype of 1873 and 1874—distinguished by small arrowheads on either side of the date—signaled a slight increase in authorized weight to match new Mint standards.

For collectors building a type set or pursuing a complete date-and-mintmark registry, common Philadelphia Mint issuesare accessible in circulated grades, and even Mint State examples are obtainable with modest effort. High-end Gem Uncirculated coins are more elusive but do appear with some frequency on the market, particularly for later dates. Proofs were struck annually for collectors beginning in 1858, with consistent availability for Philadelphia issues across the span.

Among all denominations in the Liberty Seated series—dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars—the Seated Dime is by far the most available in both business strike and proof formats. This makes it an ideal entry point for collectors seeking historical significance, artistic design, and variety without the prohibitive rarity seen in higher denominations.

Explore our curated selection of Liberty Seated Dimes at ParadimeCoins.com, where you’ll find hand-selected, certified examples with outstanding eye appeal and historical relevance.