Semi-Numismatic

1882 Liberty Seated Dime VF

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The year 1882 saw the production of a silver ten cent coin featuring one of the most enduring motifs in American numismatics. Minted in Philadelphia, this dime is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of the precious metal. Surviving in Very Fine condition, the coin preserves the fine details of its nineteenth-century artistry, offering a clear window into the craftsmanship of the era. On the obverse, the design presents Lady Liberty seated upon a rock. She holds a staff topped by a Phrygian cap in one hand, while her other hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The date 1882 is positioned directly beneath her feet, anchoring the composition. This classic imagery is framed by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA wrapping around the upper border. The reverse of the coin focuses on a central statement of its value, displaying the words ONE DIME. This denomination is encircled by a detailed wreath that curves gracefully around the inner field. The elegant pairing of the symbolic seated figure and the leafy wreath represents a classic era of American coin design, showcasing how everyday currency was treated as a canvas for fine engraving.