{"id":4651,"date":"2026-01-05T10:33:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T15:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cacgrading.com\/content\/?p=4651"},"modified":"2026-01-05T10:33:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T15:33:34","slug":"liberty-seated-dimes-ms64-to-ms66-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cacgrading.com\/content\/post\/liberty-seated-dimes-ms64-to-ms66-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Liberty Seated Dimes MS64 to MS66: Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Greg Reynolds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It is easy to assemble a type set of MS-64 to MS-66 grade Liberty Seated dimes. Collectors are generally happy with MS-64 to MS-66 grade coins, which are Choice to Gem Uncirculated and are often very attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is true that MS-60 to MS-63 grade coins, on average, are markedly less costly than MS-64 to MS-66 grade Liberty Seated dimes. Nevertheless, MS-60 to -63 grade Liberty Seated dimes typically have a lot of hairlines, very noticeable contact marks, and\/or annoying discoloration. In the context of Liberty Seated coins, my opinion is that collectors should tend toward Very Fine to Extremely Fine (XF) grades or MS-64 to -66 grade coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An exception would be the collector who has the time, enthusiasm, and money to specialize in MS-67 and higher grade Liberty Seated dimes. It makes sense, though, to learn about MS-64 to -66 grade coins before deciding to collect MS-67 to -68 grade Liberty Seated dimes, which are extreme condition rarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to this series on collecting MS-64 to -66 grade coins, I wrote guides to collecting circulated Liberty Seated dimes, with emphasis upon those in Very Fine to Extremely Fine (XF) grades. A decision as to whether to collect Very Fine to XF grade coins or MS-64 to -66 grade coins largely depends upon the personality, preferences and budget of the respective collector. Regarding any series of coins, there is no one collecting plan that is appropriate for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This discussion covers the first three types of Liberty Seated dimes, in MS-64 to -66 grades. In other articles, especially those about circulated Liberty Seated coins, there is much discussion about the historical and artistic characteristics of the different design types. Here, the focus is on the costs, availability and relative rarity of Liberty Seated dimes in MS-64 to -66 grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of the thirteen design types of silver U.S. dimes, six have the Liberty Seated motif on the obverse (front of the coin). The present discussion concerns the first three of these six types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.   Liberty Seated, No Stars (1837-38)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.   Liberty Seated with Stars and No Drapery (1838-40) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.   Liberty Seated with Stars and Drapery (1840-1853, 1856-60)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.   Liberty Seated \u2013 Arrows & Stars on Obverse (1853-55)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.   Liberty Seated \u2013 Legend on Obverse (1860-73, 1875-91)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Liberty Seated \u2013 Arrows & Legend on Obverse (1873-74)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Type<\/strong> #5 – Liberty Seated, No Stars (1837-1838)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Type #5 consists of just three dates: 1837 \u2018Large Date,\u2019 1837 \u2018Small Date\u2019 and 1838-O. As the 1838-O is much more expensive in the MS-64 to -66 grade range, a 1837 is better suited for a type set. After all, only one coin of each type is needed for a type set, so there is no need to acquire one of the most expensive dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Oct. 6, 2024, GreatCollections sold a CAC approved, PCGS graded MS-64 1837 \u2018Large Date\u2019 dime for $4,015. On Sept. 14, 2006, Heritage auctioned this same coin for $2,760. On Jan. 10, 2024, Heritage sold a different CAC approved, PCGS graded MS-64 1837 \u2018Large Date\u2019 dime for $4,080. The current CPG-CAC medium retail estimate for one of these is $4,200, though prices in transactions could be a little higher or substantially lower. No price guide can account for all variables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In MS-64 grade, the CAC populations for the 1837 \u2018Large Date\u2019 and \u2018Small Date\u2019 dimes are nearly the same. For the \u2018Large Date\u2019 dime, there are nine with CAC stickers of approval and one in a CACG holder. For the 1837 \u2018Small Date\u2019 in MS-64 grade, there are eight with CAC stickers and one in a CACG holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most PCGS or NGC graded, pre-1965 U.S. coins may be submitted to the CAC office in New Jersey and will receive stickers if they qualify for CAC approval. The CACG office in Virginia Beach opened in 2023 and all U.S. coins may be submitted by members for grading and encapsulation. Therefore, CAC stickers are affixed in New Jersey and CACG holders originate in Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In MS-65, nineteen 1837 \u2018Large Date\u2019 dimes have received CAC stickers. Three have been CACG graded and encapsulated, for a total of twenty-two. The CAC population of 1837 \u2018Small Date\u2019 dimes in MS-65 is much lower; just five have qualified for stickers and one was CACG graded MS-65.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In MS-65 and higher grades, the 1837 \u2018Small Date\u2019 tends to bring a significant premium over the 1837 \u2018Large Date.\u2019 On Aug. 8, 2022, GreatCollections sold a CAC approved, NGC graded MS-65 1837 \u2018Large Date\u2019 for $5778.30. On Aug. 29, 2025, Stack\u2019s Bowers auctioned a CAC approved MS-65 grade 1837 \u2018Small Date\u2019 dime for $10,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For MS-66 grade 1837 \u2018No Stars\u2019 dimes, the CPG-CAC medium retail price estimates of $16,000 for a \u2018Large Date\u2019 and $17,000 for a \u2018Small Date\u2019 might be too low. A collector interested in MS-66 to -67 grade 1837 Liberty Seated dimes may wish to consult an expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public sale prices are listed here to provide an impression of the costs of building a type set of Liberty Seated dimes. Prices charged by dealers at coin shows and conventions may be higher or lower than auction prices, depending upon the coin, the seller and the situation. Moreover, I am not here recommending specific coins over others. I am encouraging coin buyers to learn about coins and markets for coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Type #6 – Liberty Seated with Stars and No Drapery (1838-1840)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Stars were added to the obverse in 1838. Many U.S. coin design types feature thirteen stars on the obverse or reverse as a tribute to the original thirteen states, which declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. CAC offices are located in two of those thirteen states, New Jersey and Virginia. The \u2018Drapery\u2019 concept is covered in my articles about circulated Liberty Seated dimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In MS-64 to -66 grades, an 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 or an 1839 is usually selected for a type set. The CAC population of the 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime is above one hundred and forty, including fifty-three in MS-64 to -66 grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In October 2023, the firm of Gerry Fortin sold a CAC approved, NGC graded MS-64 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime for $2,000. Fortin had earlier sold this same coin for $2,100 in May 2021. The current CPG-CAC retail price estimate for this coin is $1,950. On Jan. 14, 2024, Heritage auctioned a CAC approved, PCGS graded MS-64 1839 for $2,400.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Oct. 13, 2024, GreatCollections sold a CAC approved, PCGS graded MS-65 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime for $2,599.30. In January 2023, the firm of Gerry Fortin sold a different CAC approved, PCGS graded MS-65 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime for $3,678. Fortin sold the exact same coin, with the same PCGS serial number, in February 2018 for $2,750. From 2023 to 2025, the CPG-CAC retail value estimate for this has been $3,150. In January 2025, Gerry Fortin sold a CAC approved, PCGS graded MS-65 1839 for $3,750.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In September 2023, Gerry Fortin sold a CAC approved, NGC graded MS-66 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime for $5,650. In May 2023, Fortin sold an NGC graded MS-66+ 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime, with a CAC sticker, for $4,850.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts at the CAC office in New Jersey ignore the plus aspect of plus grades assigned by PCGS or NGC. For a coin to have a chance to be graded MS-66+ by CACG, there would be a need for it to be sent to the CAC office in Virginia Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In March 2023, Stack\u2019s Bowers sold a PCGS graded MS-66+ 1839 dime, with a CAC sticker, for $7,200. In August 2021, Heritage sold a different PCGS graded MS-66+ 1839 dime, with a CAC sticker, for $5,520.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An overall point is that it is not too difficult to acquire an 1838 \u2018Large Stars\u2019 dime or an 1839 in MS-64 to MS-66 grades. It might be harder to find a CAC approved MS-64 grade coin of this type than a MS-65 or MS-66 grade 1838 or 1839 dime. An interesting question, however, is whether the differences in quality are worth the differences in price for these, in the context of MS-64, MS-65 and -66 grade coins. There is no right or wrong answer to this question; it is a subjective issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Type #7 – Liberty Seated with Stars and Drapery (1840-1853, 1856-1860)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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An odd and important historical aspect of Liberty Seated dimes of type #7 is that the dimes minted from 1840 to early 1853, those \u2018without arrows,\u2019 weigh more than the dimes minted from 1856 to 1860. Arrows were added in 1853 to indicate a significant reduction in the silver content of half dimes, dimes, quarters and half dollars.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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After arrows were removed from the design prior to 1856, the weight standards of the Coinage Act of 1853 remained in effect. I won an NLG award for presenting a theory<\/strong><\/a> as to why the arrows were removed in 1856. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some researchers argue that type #7 is really two types, as those from 1856 to 1860 are of a different weight even though they are of the same artistic design. By tradition, however, the \u2018With Stars, With Drapery, No Arrows\u2019 dimes of 1840 to early 1853 are classified as being of the same design type as dimes minted from 1856 to 1859, plus the 1860-S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, it would be meaningful to acquire one of each, a dime from 1840 to 1853 and one from 1856 to 1860. Some of those minted towards the end of the time span of this design type (#7) are among the least costly in MS-64 to -66 grades, especially the 1857, 1857-O, and 1859. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAC-approved MS-64 grade representatives of this design type are not plentiful, though quite a few are around that would probably retail for $950 to $1,950 each, if offered in 2025 or 2026. On Oct. 6, 2024, GreatCollections sold a CAC-approved, PCGS graded MS-64 1845 dime for $1,815. On Aug. 14, 2023, Heritage sold a CAC-approved, NGC graded MS-64 1850 dime for $1,320. On Oct. 20, GreatCollections sold a CAC-approved MS-64 grade 1852 dime for $1,340.37.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On June 15, 2025, GreatCollections sold a CAC approved MS-64 grade 1857-O dime for $853.60. On Aug. 11, 2025, Heritage auctioned a CAC approved MS-64 grade 1859 dime for $1,170. On that same day, Heritage sold a CAC approved MS-64 grade 1859-O dime for $1,440. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certified MS-65 grade coins of this type do not appear frequently, though a collector should not have to wait a long time to obtain one for a fair market price. On May 4, 2025, Heritage sold a CAC approved MS-65 grade 1852 for $2,640, a strong price, and a CAC approved MS-65 grade 1856 \u2018Small Date\u2019 for $2,520, also a strong price. On April 6, 2025, Heritage sold a CAC approved MS-65 grade 1857 for $2,040, a moderate price. On Jan. 14, 2024, Heritage sold a CAC approved MS-65 grade 1859 for $1,926.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The two CAC-approved MS-65 grade dimes of this type most recently sold by GreatCollections were a 1848, a rare date, for $9,625 on Oct. 27, 2024, and an 1856 for $1,980 on Oct. 6, 2024. Back on June 11, 2023, GreatCollections sold a PCGS-graded MS-65+ 1857, with a CAC sticker, for $2,145. In March 2023, Stack\u2019s Bowers sold that same coin for $2,400. It was then fresh, from the James Millholland Collection, which had been off the market since before 1895.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CAC-approved or CACG-graded MS-66 dimes of this type are rare, though not prohibitively so. One could be found and purchased within eighteen months for a price in the range of $3,000 to $5,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On Sept. 28, 2025, GreatCollections sold a CACG-graded MS-66 1858 dime for $3,410. On Aug. 15, 2024, Stack\u2019s Bowers auctioned a CAC-approved MS-66 grade 1853 \u2018No Arrows\u2019 dime for $5,760. The fact that this dime is an 1853 without arrows indicates that it is of this design type (#7). Type #8, 1853-55, features arrows on the obverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On April 23, 2023, GreatCollections sold a CAC-approved MS-66 grade 1857-O dime for $5,356.99, a very strong price. On Jan. 11, 2023, Heritage sold a CAC-approved MS-66 grade 1842, a better date, for $5,520. On May 7, 2023,  Heritage sold a CAC-approved MS-66 grade 1856 \u2018Small Date\u2019 dime for $3,720. On Aug. 24, 2022, Heritage sold a CAC-approved MS-66 grade 1845 for $4,080.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important not to become too heavily focused on any one auction result. Auction prices realized are cited to give coin buyers a general impression of the costs of pertinent coins. I repeat that I am not here recommending any specific coins. At coin shows, the same coins may sell for more or less than their respective prices realized in auctions. Collectors are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information before making purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importantly, collectors usually learn while collecting. It is often a good idea to begin a project with some relatively inexpensive coins with the idea of having fun while pursuing coins to complete a type set and maybe eventually a date-set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photos courtesy of Great Collections (Irvine, CA) and CAC Grading (Virginia Beach, VA).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Copyright\u202f<\/strong>\u00a9<\/strong>\u202f2025\u202fGreg Reynolds<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg is a professional numismatist and researcher, having written more than 775 articles published in ten different publications relating to coins, patterns, and medals. He has won awards for analyses, interpretation of rarity, historical research, and critiques. In 2002 and again in 2023, Reynolds was the sole winner of the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) award for “Best All-Around Portfolio”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg has carefully examined thousands of truly rare and conditionally rare classic U.S. coins, including a majority of the most famous rarities. He is also an expert in British coins. He is available for private consultations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Email: Insightful10@gmail.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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