Numismatic

1857 Liberty Seated Dime XF

---

This United States silver dime from 1857 offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck in Philadelphia during the pre-1933 era, the coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Having survived more than a century and a half, this specimen remains in Extra Fine condition, preserving the clear details of its historic artistry. The obverse of the dime showcases the classic Liberty Seated motif, a design conceived by Christian Gobrecht. Lady Liberty is depicted resting on a rock, holding a staff topped with a Phrygian cap in one hand while her other hand supports a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Beneath this central figure, the year 1857 is clearly struck. On the reverse, the coin features a delicate wreath that encircles the denomination, which is written as ONE DIME. Surrounding this wreath is the national inscription, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This simple yet elegant combination of a wreath and bold text highlights the utilitarian beauty of early American fractional currency.