Semi-Numismatic

1856 Liberty Seated Dime Small Date Fine

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In the decade preceding the American Civil War, the United States Mint in Philadelphia produced this silver ten-cent piece, a survivor of an era when precious metal circulated daily. Struck in 90 percent silver with a weight containing 0.0715 troy ounces of pure silver, this coin represents a classic era of American coinage design. The obverse presents the figure of Liberty in a seated position. She holds a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests upon a shield, a composition created by Christian Gobrecht. The date 1856 is placed directly below this central figure. On the reverse, a simple yet elegant wreath encircles the face value of the coin, which is rendered as ONE DIME.