-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53232
Checkout
The 1883 Seated Liberty Dime, in Good condition, is a significant coin from the latter part of the 19th century and belongs to one of the longest-running and most iconic coin series in U.S. history. The Seated Liberty design, created by Christian Gobrecht and introduced in 1837, was used on a wide range of U.S. silver coins, including dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars. By the time the 1883 Seated Liberty Dime was struck, this design had become a familiar and essential part of American coinage. The 1883 dime marks one of the last years of the Seated Liberty series, as the Barber Dime would soon replace it in 1892. Despite its wear, a Good condition 1883 Seated Liberty Dime still retains much of its historical and collectible value.
The obverse of the 1883 Seated Liberty Dime features the classic image of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in her left hand and a pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her right. The Phrygian cap is a traditional symbol of liberty, representing freedom and independence, while the shield is a representation of Liberty’s readiness to defend the nation. The design is inspired by neoclassical art, with flowing robes draped over Liberty’s figure. Around the seated figure are thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1883" is inscribed at the bottom. In Good condition, the finer details of Liberty’s figure, such as the folds in her gown and the lines of the shield, may be worn down due to circulation. The stars around Liberty’s head may also be faint, but the overall outline of Liberty remains discernible, as does the date, which typically remains clear in this grade.
The reverse of the 1883 Seated Liberty Dime is simple yet elegant, featuring a wreath encircling the denomination "ONE DIME." The wreath is composed of two types of leaves—oak and laurel—which symbolize strength and victory. This reverse design, while minimalist, effectively communicates the coin’s value and serves as a timeless representation of American ideals. In Good condition, the wreath and the "ONE DIME" inscription may show significant wear, with some of the finer details of the leaves becoming smooth over time. However, the main elements of the reverse design, including the denomination and the wreath’s outline, remain visible and legible, even after years of circulation.
The 1883 Seated Liberty Dime was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which had been producing U.S. coinage since its establishment in 1792. The Philadelphia Mint was the original and most prominent mint in the United States, responsible for producing much of the nation's coinage throughout the 19th century. Coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint during this period did not bear a mint mark, as the mint mark system had not yet been fully standardized across all mints. The lack of a mint mark on the 1883 dime indicates that it was produced in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Mint was known for its high-quality coin production, and the Seated Liberty dimes from this mint are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and consistency.
The mintage of the 1883 Seated Liberty Dime was 7,112,000 coins, a moderate figure for the series. While this mintage was not particularly low, many of these coins entered circulation and were used heavily in everyday transactions, which led to significant wear over time. The dime was an essential denomination in 19th-century commerce, particularly for smaller purchases, and coins like the 1883 dime were frequently passed from hand to hand. As a result, high-grade examples of this issue can be difficult to find, and even lower-grade coins, such as those in Good condition, are sought after by collectors. The coin's moderate mintage, combined with its age and role in daily commerce, adds to its collectible appeal.
In Good condition, the 1883 Seated Liberty Dime shows noticeable wear from circulation, with much of the finer detail on both the obverse and reverse smoothed down. Liberty’s figure on the obverse may be worn, with the highest points, such as her head, shoulders, and the folds of her robe, becoming faint. The reverse design, including the wreath and the denomination, may also show wear, though the overall structure of the coin remains intact. Despite this wear, the coin’s historical significance and connection to a key period in U.S. history make it a valuable collectible. Its condition is typical of coins that saw extensive use in the late 19th century, adding to its character and appeal for collectors who appreciate the history behind these well-worn pieces.
The 1883 Seated Liberty Dime in Good condition is an important piece of American numismatic history, representing the later years of a long-standing and iconic coin design. The Seated Liberty motif, with its classical symbolism and national significance, became one of the most recognizable designs in U.S. coinage, and this dime is a key part of that legacy. As one of the last issues before the transition to the Barber Dime in 1892, the 1883 dime marks the end of an era in U.S. coinage. Collectors prize the Seated Liberty Dime for its historical context, beautiful design, and the role it played in American commerce during the 19th century. Even in Good condition, this coin retains its charm and significance, making it a valuable addition to any collection of U.S. silver coinage.