1838 10C Liberty Seated Dime, Large Stars PCGS MS66 (CAC)

Buy this coin and you will possess an American classic, one that features the original engraving of Christian Gobrecht's famous Seated Liberty motif. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to purchase a gem state example of the 1838 dime, which is perfect for the discriminating collector whose interests lie in the Seated Liberty dime series. An 1838 dime can be part of a type set that includes one of each of the different varieties of Seated dimes: Type 1 (no stars on obverse and no drapery, 1837-1838), Type 2 (stars on obverse, 1838-1853 and 1856-1859), Type 3 (arrows at date, 1853-1855), Type 4 (legend on obverse, 1860-1873 and 1875-1891), and Type 5 (arrows at date, 1873-1874). Please contact AUCM to discuss options for developing this type set, or another set that includes Seated Liberty coinage.

Numismatic art critic and scholar Cornelius Vermeule writes that, "The seated Liberty owes a great deal to the seated so-called Fates in the east pediment of the Parthenon, carved about 435 B.C. ..." The Seated Liberty design that first appeared in 1836 was a collaboration of several hands and minds. It was U.S. Mint Director Robert B. Patterson, who in 1835, was desirous of a new coin that was reminiscent of Britannia on British copper. Artist Thomas Sully was tasked with crafting a rendering of Liberty based on a set of British coins and medals. Then Sully's work was given to the newly hired engraver, Christian Gobrecht, who created a series of drawings before producing a copper die for study and presentation in Washington, D.C. The first coin with the new Seated Liberty design was the "Gobrecht dollar" of 1836, followed by the dime and other silver coins.

The only change from Variety 1 of 1837-1838 is the addition of 13 stars that partially surround Liberty at the rim. Most coins struck in 1838 have the Large Stars (and no drapery), as does the piece offered by AUCM. The stars were not on the master hub, and therefore had to be hand-punched into each working die.

Out of an original total mintage of 1,992,500, there have been only 705 graded by PCGS. Of those, only 20 carry the superior grade of MS66, with just 3 finer (as of 12/2020). This valuable type coin has been certified by CAC, which attests to its exceptional quality. Plus, it is housed in the ever popular "Old Green Holder" with the desirable green label of PCGS. Attractive original toning is found on both sides of this example. This rare specimen of the 1838 Seated Liberty dime, Large Stars, will be yours to enjoy as the newest addition to your collection for many years to come. The discriminating collector will appreciate the prestige associated with ownership of a coin such as this.