Semi-Numismatic

1876 Liberty Seated Dime Fine

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This ten cent piece from 1876 represents a classic era of United States coinage, minted in 90 percent pure silver with a precious metal weight of 0.0715 troy ounces. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin has survived in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a piece that once circulated widely in daily commerce during the late nineteenth century. The obverse presents the iconic image of Lady Liberty seated on a rock. In her left hand, she supports a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, while her right hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Surrounding this central figure is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the year 1876 anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, the coin features a delicate wreath that encircles the denomination, written simply as ONE DIME. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this elegant combination of patriotic allegory and simple botanical framing defined the look of American silver currency for over half a century.