1861 (S) Seated Liberty Dime
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
$49,938 MS66 06-23-2014 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1861 (S) Seated Liberty Dime is a dime produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 172,500 examples, making this the scarcer of two mint variants, with 8% of total 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). Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $230 to $23K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.48 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4634.
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.