Liberty Seated Dimes: An Exploration of the Historic "Stars and Arrows" Design and Scarce Coins

The Liberty Seated Dime With Stars and Arrows, produced from 1853 to 1855, was created to address the shortage of silver coins caused by the discovery of gold in California. Distinctive arrowheads next to the date distinguish dimes from the previous weight, resulting from the Coinage Act of February 21, 1853. Chief Engraver James B. Longacre added these markings, which later became a numismatic rarity, with the 1855 issue being the scarcest.

The Liberty Seated Dime with Stars and Arrows: A Historical and Numismatic Exploration

The Coinage Act of 1853 and the Problem of Silver Coinage

The Coinage Act of February 21, 1853 marked a significant shift in the numismatic landscape of the United States. It established a fiat coinage system, wherein the value of a coin was determined by the government's declaration rather than the intrinsic value of its metallic composition. This legislation was a response to the discovery of vast gold deposits in California in 1848, which caused a decline in the relative value of silver. As the value of silver coins in circulation fell below the value of the silver they contained, these coins were increasingly withdrawn from circulation and melted down for their bullion value.

The Liberty Seated Dime with Arrows: A Distinctive Design

To address this issue, Congress authorized a reduction in the weight of various silver coins, including the dime, quarter, and half dollar. To distinguish the new lighter coins from those of the previous weight standard, Chief Engraver James B. Longacre added small arrowheads to each side of the date on the dime. This design feature, known as the "Stars and Arrows" variety, was struck from 1853 to 1855. Dimes dated 1853 were issued in both the old and new weights, with the lighter coins bearing the arrows.

The Removal of the Arrows and Later Production

In 1856, United States Mint Director James Ross Snowden ordered the removal of the arrows from all subsidiary silver coin types, including the dime. He believed that the public had had ample time to adjust to the new weight standard, and the arrows were no longer necessary.

From 1856 onward, all dimes produced used the same design as the pre-1853 pieces without arrows, but at the lower weight prescribed by the Coinage Act of February 21, 1853.

Scarcity and Value of Liberty Seated Dimes with Stars and Arrows

Over 4,000 circulation strike Liberty Seated Dimes with Stars and Arrows are currently listed in the population reports of major grading services such as CAC, NGC, and PCGS. The scarcest of the type is the 1855 issue, with fewer than 340 pieces graded as of April 2024.

In general, Liberty Seated Dimes with Stars and Arrows are not particularly expensive coins unless they are in higher grades, such as Mint State. At this level, prices can exceed $1,000 USD per coin. The most valuable issue is the 1853-O, with Choice Mint State examples fetching over $7,000 and top-graded specimens approaching $25,000 or more.

Proof examples of the Liberty Seated Dime with Stars and Arrows are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 25 certified pieces for each date. Some of these coins exhibit a frosted design known as "Cameo." All Proof Liberty Seated Dimes with Stars and Arrows are highly coveted and seldom appear at auction. When they do, winning bids often surpass $30,000 for Gem-quality specimens.

Design Description

Obverse:

The obverse of the Liberty Seated Dime with Stars and Arrows depicts a full-length figure of Liberty, seated on a rock, her head turned to the right. She wears a flowing gown and holds a pole topped by a Liberty cap in her left hand. Her right arm rests at her side, supporting a Union shield with a slightly curved banner bearing the inscription "LIBERTY." The date is below Liberty, flanked by arrowheads pointing away from it. A ring of thirteen stars surrounds the design, forming a partial circle.

Reverse:

The reverse features a concentric circle formed by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," broken at the bottom by a ribbon that ties the ends of two branches. Inside this circle is a ring of denticles. A central circle contains the denomination "ONE DIME," with each word on a separate line. Another circle of denticles is placed around the rim. The O mintmark, when present, is located below the word "DIME" and above the bow at the top of the ribbon.

Numismatic References

• Bowers, Q. David. The Experts Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins. Whitman Publishing.
• Bowers, Q. David. A Guide Book of United States Type Coins. Whitman Publishing.
• Breen, Walter. Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins. Doubleday.
• Greer, Brian. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes. DLRC Press.
• Guth, Ron, and Jeff Garrett. United States Coinage: A Study by Type. Whitman Publishing.
• Taxay, Don. The U.S. Mint and Coinage. Arco Publishing.
• Yeoman, R.S and Kenneth Bressett (editor). The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins. Whitman Publishing.