1838 Seated Liberty Dime - Partial Drapery

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1838

Denomination

Dime

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891

Designer

Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Mintage (whole issue)

1,992,500

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

2.67g

Diameter

17.9mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$42 - $1,882

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $28,800
Sold: 15 January 2023
Grade: MS67
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1838 Seated Liberty Dime - Partial Drapery, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 collection. The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,992,500 dimes dated 1838 in all; how many show the partial drapery is not recorded. 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 a laurel wreath enclosing the denomination, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around it. Stars added to the obverse, a modification that would persist through multiple subtypes. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.67 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4570.