The Liberty Seated dime series, minted from 1837 to 1891, is a cornerstone of American numismatics. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, these dimes feature Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a staff topped with a liberty cap—a symbol of freedom that resonated deeply with 19th-century America.
While many Liberty Seated dimes are relatively common, certain rare varieties and key dates have become legendary among collectors, commanding staggering prices at auction.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 rare Liberty Seated dimes worth big money, uncovering their stories, rarity, and why they’re so highly prized.
1. 1873-CC
The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated dime is one of the most famous rarities in the series. This variety was struck at the Carson City Mint before the U.S. government mandated that arrows be added to the date to indicate a slight increase in the coin’s weight.
Only 12,400 No Arrows dimes were minted, and very few survive in high grades. Collectors prize this coin for its historical significance and scarcity, with pristine examples fetching upwards of $500,000 at auction.
Also read – Top 11 Most Valuable Dimes Worth a Fortune
2. 1844-O
Struck at the New Orleans Mint, the 1844-O Liberty Seated dime is another standout rarity. With a mintage of just 70,000, it’s one of the lowest-mintage dimes from the New Orleans facility. Heavy circulation during its time has left few survivors in uncirculated condition, making it a challenging find for collectors.
High-grade specimens can command six-figure prices, with one example selling for over $100,000 in recent years.
3. 1856-S
The 1856-S Liberty Seated dime holds the distinction of being the first dime ever struck at the San Francisco Mint. Its mintage of 70,000 was modest for the time, and heavy use in commerce has made high-grade examples exceedingly rare.
This coin is particularly desirable for collectors focusing on early San Francisco issues. A well-preserved specimen can easily fetch tens of thousands of dollars, with top-tier examples reaching $200,000 or more.
4. 1860-O
Another New Orleans rarity, the 1860-O Liberty Seated dime had a mintage of just 560,000. However, Civil War-era hoarding and melting significantly reduced the surviving population. Uncirculated examples are extremely scarce, driving up demand and value.
Collectors eagerly seek out this coin for its connection to the tumultuous pre-Civil War period. High-grade specimens often sell for $50,000 to $100,000, depending on their condition.
5. 1871-CC
The Carson City Mint produced only 12,398 Liberty Seated dimes in 1871, making the 1871-CC one of the rarest coins in the series. Its low mintage, combined with heavy circulation, ensures that surviving examples are highly coveted.
Even circulated specimens retain significant value, but uncirculated coins are where the real money lies. A pristine 1871-CC Liberty Seated dime can command prices exceeding $250,000 at auction.
Also read – Top 9 Most Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies Ever Found
6. 1874-CC
The 1874-CC Liberty Seated dime continues the tradition of Carson City rarities. With a mintage of 20,000, it’s slightly more common than the 1871-CC but still incredibly scarce. Survivors in high grades are virtually nonexistent, making them a dream acquisition for collectors.
High-grade examples routinely sell for six figures, with one specimen fetching over $150,000 in recent years.
7. 1875-CC
The 1875-CC Liberty Seated dime is another gem from the Carson City Mint. Its mintage of 22,700 makes it one of the scarcest dimes in the series. Like other CC issues, heavy circulation has left few survivors in pristine condition.
Collectors prize this coin for its Wild West connection and its role in early U.S. commerce. A well-preserved 1875-CC Liberty Seated dime can sell for $100,000 or more, depending on its grade.
8. 1838-O
The 1838-O Liberty Seated dime is the first dime ever struck at the New Orleans Mint, making it a key issue for collectors. With a mintage of just 406,000, it’s one of the lowest-mintage dimes of the early Liberty Seated series.
Heavy circulation during its time has made high-grade examples extremely rare. A pristine 1838-O Liberty Seated dime can command prices exceeding $100,000, reflecting its historical importance and scarcity.
9. 1846-O
The 1846-O Liberty Seated dime is another New Orleans rarity, with a mintage of only 64,000. Its low survival rate in high grades adds to its desirability. Collectors appreciate its elegant design and connection to mid-19th-century America.
High-grade specimens often sell for $50,000 to $150,000, depending on their condition. Even circulated examples remain valuable due to their scarcity.
10. 1858-S
The 1858-S Liberty Seated dime is one of the earliest San Francisco rarities, with a mintage of just 10,000. Its extreme scarcity and historical significance make it a must-have for serious collectors.
High-grade examples are virtually nonexistent, and even circulated specimens command significant premiums. A pristine 1858-S Liberty Seated dime can fetch upwards of $200,000 at auction, cementing its status as a top-tier rarity.
Value Chart for 10 Rare Liberty Seated Dimes
| COIN | MINTAGE | SURVIVING POPULATION | CIRCULATED VALUE | UNCIRCULATED/HIGH-GRADE VALUE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1873-CC No Arrows | 12,400 | Extremely Rare | $50,000+ | $500,000+ |
| 1844-O | 70,000 | Very Scarce | $20,000–$50,000 | $100,000+ |
| 1856-S | 70,000 | Rare | $30,000–$60,000 | $200,000+ |
| 1860-O | 560,000 | Moderate Rarity | $10,000–$20,000 | $50,000–$100,000 |
| 1871-CC | 12,398 | Extremely Rare | $75,000+ | $250,000+ |
| 1874-CC | 20,000 | Very Rare | $50,000+ | $150,000+ |
| 1875-CC | 22,700 | Very Rare | $50,000+ | $100,000+ |
| 1838-O | 406,000 | Scarce | $15,000–$30,000 | $100,000+ |
| 1846-O | 64,000 | Rare | $20,000–$50,000 | $150,000+ |
| 1858-S | 10,000 | Extremely Rare | $75,000+ | $200,000+ |
What Makes These Dimes So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the extraordinary value of these Liberty Seated dimes. First and foremost is their rarity. Many were produced in limited quantities at branch mints like Carson City and New Orleans, which were smaller operations compared to Philadelphia. Additionally, economic hardships during the Civil War led to widespread hoarding and melting, further reducing the surviving population.
Condition plays a critical role as well. Coins that survived decades of circulation in near-perfect condition are inherently rarer and more valuable than those showing signs of wear. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC assess coins based on their condition, assigning numerical grades that directly impact their market value.
Finally, storytelling adds intangible value. Coins tied to specific mints, such as Carson City or New Orleans, evoke images of the Wild West and antebellum America. Their historical context and unique backstories captivate collectors, elevating their appeal beyond mere metal content.
