Semi-Numismatic

1887 Liberty Seated Dime Fine

---

The 1887 silver dime offers a fascinating window into late nineteenth century American coinage. Minted in Philadelphia during the pre-1933 era, this ten cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0715 troy ounces of precious metal. Surviving in Fine condition, it carries the gentle wear of a coin that actively circulated in the commerce of its day. On the obverse, the design by Christian Gobrecht presents Lady Liberty seated upon a rock. She grasps a staff topped with a Phrygian cap in one hand, while her other hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The date 1887 is clearly positioned below this central figure, surrounded by the legend naming the United States of America. The reverse of the coin focuses on the denomination, with the words ONE DIME boldly displayed at the center. This text is encircled by a detailed wreath, a classic design element that frames the face value. This combination of allegorical imagery and simple, elegant typography makes the Liberty Seated series a captivating subject for study.