1838 (O) 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
$37,600 MS65+ 04-27-2023 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1838 (O) Seated Liberty Dime represents a New Orleans Mint issue from the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 series. The U.S. Mint produced 406,034 examples, making this ranked 2nd of 5 mint variants by mintage, with 6% of 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). Stars added to the obverse, a modification that would persist through multiple subtypes. New Orleans's branch mint, active from 1838 through 1909, produced coins that carry a distinct historical significance tied to the antebellum and postbellum South. Estimated market value ranges from $127 to $7.1K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.67 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4564.
External References
Error Varieties(1)
Other Strike Types in This Series
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