Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 866-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

This remarkable nearly uncirculated rarity survives squarely within the “Condition Census” of all survivors (top ten known). Issued during the administration of the 11th President, James K. Polk, this is a true prize for the specialist and represents tremendous value in today’s quality conscious environment.

The Seated Liberty portrait resulted from the teamwork of two highly talented men: portraitist Thomas Sully, who designed it, and Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht, who executed dies from the artwork. It depicts a seated figure of Liberty with her right hand resting upon a shield and her left hand grasping a pole topped by a Liberty cap—symbols of preparedness and freedom. On the quarter and half dollar, the Mint retained essentially the same reverse as the one that had appeared on their immediate predecessors from the Capped Bust series: a naturalistic eagle with a shield superimposed upon its breast. On the half dime and dime, however, the eagle gave way to a simple statement of value. On the dime, the inscription ONE DIME appeared within a wreath, and that in turn was encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

From late-1840 onward Seated Liberty dimes displayed a fold of drapery at the crook of Liberty’s elbow—the result of modifications by sculptor Robert Ball Hughes. This was intended in part to give the portrait greater “respectability” (a theme that would emerge again 75 years later, when Liberty’s bare breast on the Standing Liberty quarter led to hasty revisions to head off scandal). For 1840, dimes bearing the additional drapery were coined in relatively small numbers. Besides adding the drapery in 1840, the Mint also adjusted Liberty’s shield to an upright position.

Although the entire Stars Obverse dime production from 1838 to 1853 and again from 1856 through 1860 totaled over 51 million pieces, mintages varied widely, from a low of 31,300 in 1846 to over 5.7 million in 1856. Proofs were made for public sale in 1858 and 1859 but also are known for earlier dates. Included is an 1841 dime that lacks drapery (this was unintentional, as excessive die-polishing removed it almost completely).

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352

Call Us for Information on this coin and/or other Classic Rarities - 302-765-3352