The 1856-S Liberty Seated dime holds special significance as the first dime minted at the San Francisco Mint. With a mintage of only 70,000 pieces, it is one of the rarest coins in the Seated Liberty dime series, especially sought after in Mint State conditions. The 1856-S dime is coveted among collectors, particularly due to its historical importance and scarcity.
The 1856-S dime was produced during a time of great growth in the United States, especially in the Western territories following the California Gold Rush. This marked the first year that the San Francisco Mint began striking dimes. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the coin features the Seated Liberty design, which was used across various denominations from 1837 to 1891. Due to its low mintage and high demand, this dime is rare and highly prized, particularly in mint state.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.9 millimeters |
| Denomination | 0.10 USD |
| Gross Weight | 2.48 grams |
| Actual Silver Weight | 0.0723 troy ounces of silver |
| Fineness/Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 17.9 millimeters |
| Thickness | 1.35 millimeters |
| Specific Gravity | ~10.34 |
| Numismatic Price Range | $593 - $54000 |
The 1856-S Liberty Seated dime features the iconic Seated Liberty design on the obverse, created by Christian Gobrecht and refined by Robert Ball Hughes. Liberty is depicted sitting on a rock, holding a shield in her right hand and a staff with a liberty cap in her left hand. The reverse shows an agricultural wreath encircling the denomination "ONE DIME." While most examples display well-defined central details, the outer denticles (rim details) are often weak, a known characteristic of this particular issue.
The 1856-S dime represents not only a key moment in U.S. minting history as the first San Francisco Mint dime but also a significant artifact of the post-Gold Rush era. Its rarity in all conditions, particularly in mint state, makes it highly desirable for collectors. The legendary collector Gene Gardner rated this coin as High R7 in mint state, further underlining its exceptional status in numismatics.
The value of the 1856-S Liberty Seated dime varies widely based on condition. In average circulated condition, it is typically valued between $593 and $4,100. However, uncirculated (MS+) examples can fetch prices between $8,673 and $18,080, with top specimens selling for as much as $54,000. A single PCGS MS-65 example sold in 2003 for $43,700, highlighting its value to serious collectors.
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