1857-O 10C Liberty Seated PCGS AU50

Coin Details

• Year: 1857
• Denomination: 10 Cents (Dime)
• Mintmark: O (New Orleans)
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Weight: 2.67 grams
• Diameter: 17.9 mm

Design Features

• Obverse:
  • Liberty is seated on a rock, holding a shield and a staff with a liberty cap.
  • The date, 1857, is at the bottom of the obverse.
• Reverse:
  • The reverse features a wreath encircling the words “ONE DIME.”
  • The New Orleans mintmark (O) is located at the bottom of the coin beneath the wreath.

Grading and Condition

• Grade: AU50 (About Uncirculated):
  • Slight wear is visible on the highest points of the design, particularly on Liberty’s head, the shield, and the eagle’s feathers.
  • Most of the original details are intact, and the coin retains traces of mint luster in protected areas.
• Strike Quality: New Orleans mint coins are known for occasional weak strikes, so sharp details on this coin would enhance its value.

Mintage and Rarity

• Mintage: 1,458,000
• Rarity: The 1857-O Liberty Seated Dime is moderately scarce, particularly in higher grades. Coins in AU and above are desirable due to their relative rarity compared to circulated examples.

Historical Context

• Minting at New Orleans:
  • The New Orleans Mint was active from 1838 to 1861 and again from 1879 to 1909, producing coinage for the southern U.S.
  • Coins minted there often bear historical significance due to their role in pre-Civil War commerce.
• Liberty Seated Design:
  • Introduced in 1837, this design by Christian Gobrecht lasted until 1891, symbolizing liberty and resilience during a period of rapid expansion and change in the U.S.

G-4 Good- LIBERTY on shield not readable. Date and letters legible.

F-12 Fine- LIBERTY visible, weak spots.

VF-20 very Fine- LIBERTY strong and even.

EF-40 Extremely Fine- LIBERTY and scroll edges distinct.

AU-50 About Uncirculated- Wear on Liberty’s shoulder and hair high points.

MS-60 Uncirculated- No trace of wear. Light blemishes.

MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- Some distracting contact marks or blemisges in prime focal areas. Impaired luster possible.