Seated Liberty Dime 10c Stars Obverse, 1840-1859 PR [Type]

Designer: Christian Gobrecht. Weight: 2.67 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 17.9 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans.

Key to Collecting: Liberty Seated dimes of the type with obverse stars, but without drapery at Liberty’s left elbow, were minted to the extent of over six million pieces. Enough were produced that examples today are readily available in all grades, although gems are scarce. Most are quite pleasing in appearance.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Most are well struck, but there are exceptions. Points to check include the star centers, head and other details of the Liberty Seated figure, the leaves on the reverse, and the denticles on both sides. Luster is usually satiny rather than deeply frosty.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht, as modified by Robert Ball Hughes. Weight: 1840–1853: 2.67 grams; 1856–1860: 2.49 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper. Diameter: 17.9 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: Liberty Seated dimes saw a makeover by Robert Ball Hughes, an artist in the private sector, who modified Christian Gobrecht’s design. The shield, formerly leaning sharply to the left, now leans slightly to the right, and extra drapery has been added to Liberty’s elbow. Half dimes were similarly changed. Higher denomination coins were modified as well but not as dramatically. Dimes of this type were minted in large numbers and were popular in the American monetary system. Circulated examples are plentiful today. Most are very attractive. Mint State coins are also plentiful, although certain dates and varieties are rare. Most on the market are dated in the 1850’s and are often in choice and gem grades.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Vary widely. Generally, dates before 1853 are sharper than later issues, but there are exceptions. Points to check include the star centers, head and other details of the Liberty Seated figure, the leaves on the reverse, and the denticles on both sides. Luster varies.

Proof Coins: Proofs are available and are usually dated 1859, less often 1858, and rarely of earlier years. Quality is usually low from repeated dipping over the years. Finding an example up to PF-63 will be easy enough to do, but locating a higher-grade Proof with high-quality surfaces will be a challenge.