[The following excerpt is published courtesy of DLRC Press and its author, Brian Greer. This information was originally published in 1992 in The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes]
FOREWORD
Liberty Seated Dimes were made from 1837 to 1891 with coins minted at Carson City, New Orleans, Philadelphia and San Francisco. This long and beautiful series is replete with design changes as well as both major and minor varieties. Today it is widely pursued by serious collectors.
Kamal M. Ahwash published the “Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Dimes” in 1977, a detailed work which compiled and illustrated virtually all varieties known at that time. The Liberty Seated Collectors Club, formed in 1974, continues to present information on the series through its publication, the Gobrecht Journal.
Seated dimes can be collected at several levels beginning with a set of each date and mintmark or including the major varieties (hubbing differences, date and mintmark style and size differences). Many collectors include the minor varieties as well (repunched dates and mintmarks, doubled dies and die states featuring obvious die cracks). In some cases these minor varieties have become extremely popular.
In this book I have attempted to describe as many interesting varieties as possible. However, a listing of every die pair is beyond its scope. It is unlikely that many new major varieties exist but careful study is likely to yield a lot of new repunched and blundered dates, doubled dies and other minor varieties. Collectors, however, should note that many of the known varieties show characteristics not listed here. Earlier die states often show additional signs of repunching that later die states do not. Die cracks listed here may not show on early die states, while later states may show heavier or additional die cracks.
Prices are given from Coin World Trends” beginning in 1963 – the first year they appeared -through last year, in approximately ten year intervals. By 1983 the coin boom of 1979/80 had driven values of many dates to record levels. Today, some eight years later, quite a few of the semi-keys appear undervalued (however, key dates have continued their climb). Also, whereas during the early 1980′s seated dimes would often be purchased below Trends, today choice examples are likely to bring significant premiums.
Much of the information in this book has not been presented before. I hope it will help you enjoy this wonderful series and serve to further stimulate your interest. I invite all seated dime enthusiasts to contact me with new information.
Brian Greer
P.O. Box 1781
Broomfield, CO 80038
April 1992