1888-S Seated Liberty Dime Value Guide

The 1888-S Seated Liberty Dime is a prized silver coin designed by Christian Gobrecht and struck at the San Francisco Mint. With a mintage of approximately 1.2 million, it is significantly scarcer than its Philadelphia counterparts, making it a key addition for collectors of late 19th-century American coinage.

What Is 1888-S Seated Liberty Dime Worth?

The typical price range for 1888-S Seated Liberty Dime is $15 - $17 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and clarity of the 'S' mint mark, indicating its San Francisco origin.
• Overall strike quality and the amount of wear on Liberty's gown and the shield details.
• The current market spot price of silver, given its 90% silver content.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of harsh cleaning, scratches, or heavy abrasions.

How to Identify 1888-S Seated Liberty Dime?

• Locate the 'S' mint mark on the reverse side, positioned within or below the wreath.
• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin its distinct metallic ring and luster.
• Check for the Christian Gobrecht design featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield and staff.
• Confirm the 1888 date is clearly struck at the bottom of the obverse below the figure of Liberty.

History of 1888-S Seated Liberty Dime

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Seated Liberty design was used on most silver United States coinage from the late 1830s through 1891. The 1888-S specifically was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of approximately 1.2 million, making it a scarcer date compared to the Philadelphia strikes of that era.