1851 Proof Seated Liberty Dime

Coin Details

Description

The 1851 Proof Seated Liberty Dime is a proof dime struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 series. With a mintage of 3, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only less than 1% 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). Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.67 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4738.