Question on 1879, 1880 and 1881 Seated Liberty dimes.

kwmorgan

I know these 3 are very low mintage years. How often are they seen in lower grades such as G or VG? I am putting together an affordable date set of dimes from 2009 back to hopefully 1837.

Bayard1908

I think you'd be smarter to buy a low grade proof for those dates.

RichieURich

In my experience, 1880 and 1881 seem to be available in low grades, the 1879 less so. The 1881's usually are a grade or more better on the obverse than the reverse. Hope this helps.

kwmorgan

<< <i>I think you'd be smarter to buy a low grade proof for those dates. >>



That's what I may have to do with 1879, as Richie says the 1879 will be tougher in lower grades. I expect the 1879 will be of similar difficulty as finding a original surface New Orleans $20 gold was for me. Just a lot less $$$.

Thx, guys!!

I will watch your site, Richie

lordmarcovan

I'm looking for those dates with love token reverses, for my date set of love token holey Seated dimes. Wish me luck.

Somebody pointed an 1880 with love token reverse out to me today, though there was no picture- just a listing on a dealer's website and a $175 pricetag. I'll definitely be interested to see what it looks like- gonna ask for a picture. Oh, I should add that it is described as XF with some obverse hits or something. I can only imagine the XF grade is based on the obverse details, as most love tokens would have the reverse totally planed off.

roadrunner

The low mintage dimes of 1879-1881 were saved in Unc just like their counterpart quarters and halves from 1879-1890. As a rule I feel they are generally overrated despite their very low mintages. They are somewhat more available than the dime from 1863-1867. I would place the higher mintage 1869 dime on par in overall rarity with the 1879 and 1880 because far less uncs are around though I'll admit that 79/80 are up to 2X tougher in G-XF circ. But at a fraction of the price I'd buy all the circ 1869 dimes I could find and pass on the 1879/80.

No doubt finding a Good-VG example might be difficult, I don't think they have much chance of ever escaping the price capping that the common proofs provide. The 1881 is the scarcest of the group in circ. I'd much rather spend $225-300 and get a PF61/62. Are there fool proof ways to ensure that a Good specimen is indeed from business strike dies rather than proof dies?

kwmorgan

Good input, all. Much thx and certainly food for thought.

...and good luck LordMarcovan. I sure you will eventually find all 3