1871 Dime Patterns

About This Coin

Inaugurating the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873) for the ten-cent denomination, the 1871 Dime Patterns mark the beginning of William Barber's comprehensive design program at the Philadelphia Mint. These pieces introduced the seated Liberty obverse facing left with olive branch and wheat sheaf — a composition refined over the next two years as Barber developed his unified vision for American coinage. The reverse features an eagle perched on a bale of goods with olive branch and three arrows, establishing the commercial symbolism linking the dime patterns to the broader trade dollar initiative aimed at expanding American Pacific commerce. A notable auction result of $18K in PR66 grade at Heritage Auctions reflects the premium collectors place on the inaugural year, when the concept was first realized in metal. The 1871 dime patterns hold special significance as the starting point for the most ambitious coordinated redesign of American coinage since the Mint's founding in 1792. For numismatic researchers, comparing 1871 dime patterns to the refined 1873 versions reveals how Barber's artistic language evolved through iteration, making first-year pieces essential reference points.