1839 Seated Liberty Dime

About This Coin

The 1839 Seated Liberty Dime is a United States dime from the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 series — an early issue, 3rd of 55 years in the series. In 1839, coins were struck at the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 2.4 million. This ranks 30th of 55 years by total mintage, above the series median of 2.1 million. 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). Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.67 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (retained cud). Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $10K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $75K in PR65 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht.