1861 (S) 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
$49,938 MS66 06-23-2014 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1861 (S) Seated Liberty Dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is part of the Seated Liberty Dimes 1837-1891 collection. The U.S. Mint produced 172,500 examples, making this the scarcer of two mint variants, with 8% 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). Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value ranges from $230 to $23K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 2.48 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4634.
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