The 1858-S Liberty Seated dime is an important piece of U.S. numismatic history. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the Gold Rush era, it is a rare and historic coin with a relatively low mintage of 60,000. Its availability in certain grades makes it an undervalued gem, reflecting limited demand and collector awareness.
The 1858-S Liberty Seated dime was minted during a challenging time in San Francisco's early minting history. The San Francisco Mint, opened in 1854, had limited resources and prioritized larger denominations. The 1858-S had little to no contemporary collector interest, and most of these coins entered circulation in a rough environment. Today, only a few examples exist in higher grades, making it a valuable and elusive piece for collectors of Seated Liberty dimes.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.9 millimeters |
| Denomination | 0.10 USD |
| Gross Weight | 2.49 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 | $150 - $25500 |
The obverse of the coin, designed by Christian Gobrecht and modified by Robert B. Hughes, features Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield and a staff. The word "Liberty" appears on the shield. The reverse, also designed by Gobrecht, shows an agricultural wreath encircling the denomination "ONE DIME." The coin's design is symbolic of strength and agriculture, reflecting the United States’ expanding economy during the mid-19th century.
The 1858-S Liberty Seated dime is a significant part of the Seated Liberty series and a product of the tumultuous Gold Rush period. With limited collector interest at the time of its release, few examples were saved. Its rarity, combined with its historic ties to the San Francisco Mint, makes it a highly sought-after coin for those interested in U.S. coinage from this era. The coin’s value has increased, especially in higher grades, and it represents a piece of American frontier history.
VG-8: $150; AU-50: $2,250; MS-63: $15,750; MS-65: $25,500. The coin is extremely rare in mint state, with only a few known examples graded by major numismatic grading services.
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