Set Description:
As of May 5, 2005, this Liberty Seated Dime registry set was completed. A long journey came to a temporary conclusion. Collecting Seated dimes in mint state is a significant challenge. Individuals who attempt this series should have a long term perspective for building a premier set. I consider a long term perspective to be 10 or more years. There are always mint state Seated dimes on the market. The challenge is finding specimens that provide excellent eye appeal, true surface “originality” and investment value for the grade. Locating PQ specimens will take years of searching dealer pricelists and auction catalogues. Please examine the following Liberty Seated Dime set as I believe it to be consistent with the advice I have just provided. Nearly all dimes have been selected for their superior and premium appearance.
The Liberty Seated Dime series is composed of eight design changes or groups. While some of the design changes are major and very obvious to collectors, others are subtle in nature and require careful examination. Historically, the Redbook has defined 121 different dates, mintmarks and major varieties to form a complete set. The following registry set of business strike examples presents the finest NGC and PCGS Liberty Seated Dimes that I have been able to locate and afford over the last 19 years.
During August 2004, I released a website entitled www.seateddimevarieties.com that presents collectors with The Definitive Reference Source for Liberty Seated Dime Die Varieties. The website contains detailed analysis of all known obverse and reverse dies and die marriages by date and mintmark. Cross reference tables for Ahwash and Greer have been established for associating the varieties to these historical reference sources. Also attempted are rarity estimates for Seated Dime varieties and suggested pricing premiums. A "Major 100 Varieties" list is offered to stimulate the formation of advanced Liberty Seated Dime die variety set building. Please contact me if you wish to secure a trial 1 week password to www.seateddimevarieties.com.
As always, good luck to anyone who has the patience and financial resources to attempt a high grade set of Liberty Seated Dimes. It remains an important endeavor for this collector and researcher.
Gerry Fortin, LSCC, ANA
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