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1 Dime 'Seated Liberty Dime' reduced weight
| Issuer | United States Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1856-1860 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Dime = 10 Cents (0.1 USD) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
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| Orientation | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse displays the denomination ONE DIME in two lines at the center of the field, enclosed within an open wreath of laurel and olive branches tied at the base with a bow. The circular legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs along the upper periphery, separated from the wreath by a plain inner border. A beaded border encircles the entire design near the rim. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
The weight reduction encoded in this type was mandated by the Coinage Act of 1853, which brought silver subsidiary coinage below its bullion value to discourage melting — a chronic problem that had pulled full-weight coins out of circulation almost immediately upon release. The dime's weight dropped from 2.67 g, and the new standard held through the Civil War years.
New Orleans issues from this window are notably scarcer than Philadelphia strikes. The O-mint operated intermittently and was seized by Louisiana state forces in early 1861, ending its federal production abruptly.