1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime

The 1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime is a historic United States silver coin from the Liberty Seated series, struck during the mid-19th century. Featuring the classic Liberty Seated design by Christian Gobrecht, this 10-cent coin is collected for its age, silver content, historical significance, and variety of mint-mark and condition characteristics. 1909-O $5 Indian NGC AU55

For collectors researching the 1855 Liberty Seated dime, understanding its design, specifications, mintage, condition, and collectible value can help determine what makes an individual example desirable. ARC St. Gaudens Gold Double Eagle Circulated 1907-1933

1855 Liberty Seated Dime Overview

The 1855 Liberty Seated dime was produced during a period when the United States Mint was striking large quantities of silver coinage for everyday commerce. The denomination had a face value of 10 cents and was composed primarily of silver.

The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a staff topped with a Liberty cap. The reverse displays a wreath surrounding the denomination and inscription.

1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime Specifications

Feature	Details
Coin	1855 Liberty Seated Dime
Face Value	10 cents
Composition	90% silver, 10% copper
Silver Content	Approximately 0.0723 troy oz.
Diameter	Approximately 17.9 mm
Weight	Approximately 2.67 grams
Designer	Christian Gobrecht
Type	Liberty Seated Dime
Edge	Reeded

Specifications can vary slightly because of normal production tolerances and the effects of circulation.

Design of the 1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime

The 1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime carries the iconic Liberty Seated design that appeared on U.S. silver coinage for decades.

Obverse

The obverse shows Liberty seated and facing left. She holds a staff with a Liberty cap in her right hand while her other hand rests on a shield. The date 1855 appears below the main design.

The combination of Liberty, the shield, and the seated figure gives the coin its familiar Liberty Seated name.

Reverse

The reverse features a wreath surrounding the denomination. Depending on the specific variety, mint-mark placement and other design characteristics can help collectors distinguish individual examples. $20 St. Gaudens Gold Double Eagle Uncirculated

1855 Liberty Seated Dime Mint Marks

Mint marks are important when identifying Liberty Seated dimes. The 1855 issue is associated with production at different U.S. Mint facilities, and examples can be distinguished by the presence or absence of a mint mark.

When examining an 1855 Liberty Seated dime, collectors should carefully inspect the reverse for the appropriate mint-mark location. Authentication and attribution are particularly important for scarce varieties or higher-grade examples.

1855 Liberty Seated Dime Value

The value of an 1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime depends on several factors rather than the date alone. Important considerations include:

• Mint mark
• Condition and grade
• Original surfaces
• Strike quality
• Eye appeal
• Signs of cleaning or damage
• Rarity of the particular variety
• Current collector demand
• Silver value

Circulated examples generally show varying degrees of wear, while higher-grade coins can command substantially different prices. Professional certification can also be important when determining the market value of a particularly attractive or rare example.

Because coin prices change over time, collectors should compare recent market data and certified examples when researching the current value of an 1855 Liberty Seated dime. Morgan Dollar Set of 10 Coins MS64

How to Grade an 1855 10C Liberty Seated Dime

Condition plays a major role in collectible value. Common grades range from heavily circulated examples through About Uncirculated and Mint State coins.

Collectors generally examine Liberty’s clothing and facial details, the shield, lettering, wreath, and other high points of the design for evidence of wear. Coins with fewer marks, stronger details, and attractive original surfaces are typically more desirable to collectors.

For valuable examples, professional grading and authentication from a recognized third-party grading service can provide additional information about condition and authenticity.

Is the 1855 Liberty Seated Dime Silver?

Yes. The standard Liberty Seated dime struck in 1855 was made from a 90% silver and 10% copper alloy. Its original specifications give it approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.

However, a coin’s collectible value can exceed its underlying silver value depending on its date, mint mark, condition, variety, and collector demand.

Why Collect the 1855 10C Liberty Dime?

The 1855 dime can appeal to collectors for several reasons. It is more than a piece of silver: it is a surviving example of mid-19th-century American coinage.

Collectors may appreciate the coin for:

• Early U.S. history: It dates to the 1850s, making it more than 170 years old.
• Classic design: The Liberty Seated motif is one of the most recognizable designs in American numismatics.
• Silver composition: The coin contains 90% silver.
• Historical collecting: It represents American commerce before the Civil War.
• Variety collecting: Mint marks and individual die characteristics can add another level of interest.
• Condition rarity: Well-preserved examples can be considerably more collectible than heavily worn pieces.