1838 Seated Liberty Dime - No Drapery, Small Stars
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$29,900 MS68 09-22-2010 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1838 Seated Liberty Dime - No Drapery, Small Stars is a dime produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 2.0 million examples, making this ranked 3rd of 5 mint variants by mintage, with 31% of production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays an agricultural wreath enclosing the denomination (through 1859) or a wreath enclosing ONE DIME with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (1860-1891). Stars added to the obverse, a modification that would persist through multiple subtypes. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $42 to $1.9K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.67 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4569.
