Semi-Numismatic

1888 Liberty Seated Dime VG

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The year 1888 marked a quiet chapter near the end of one of America's most enduring coinage eras. This silver dime, composed of 90 percent silver, represents the long-running Liberty Seated series. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin carries a modest weight of 0.0715 troy ounces of pure silver, preserved in a circulated, Very Good condition that tells the story of its journey through daily commerce in the late 19th century. On the obverse, the design by Christian Gobrecht presents Lady Liberty seated upon a rock. In one hand, she supports a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, a classic symbol of freedom, while her other hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The date 1888 is clearly struck beneath her feet, anchoring this piece of currency to its specific moment in American history. The reverse of the coin focuses on simplicity and national identity. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircle a lush wreath, which in turn frames the face value of ONE DIME. This elegant combination of a protective wreath and bold denomination showcases the balanced, classical aesthetic that defined United States coinage throughout the Victorian era.