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 is a dime produced at the New Orleans Mint as part of 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. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and produced coins prized for their historical Southern provenance. 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.
