Set Description
This set includes varieties such as the 1868 and 1872 blundered dies with extra date punches in the rock below the gown. Many of the varieties have been described in publications by Kamal Ahwash, Walter Breen, Brian Greer, and most recently in Gerry Fortin's excellent on-line website at www.seateddimevarieties.com.
1858 is the rarest date followed by 1861 and 1862 per the NGC and PCGS census. In PR65 and better condition, 1862 is the rarest date likely due to the use of poorly prepared planchets.
In 1933, Scott Stamp and Coin Company of New York published the Standard Catalog of United States Coins for sale. All dates of proof seated dimes from 1858 thru 1891, of unspecified condition, were available for purchase from Scott individually or as a complete 35 coin set for $55. Some proof dimes offered individually included 1858 at $8, 1861 at $2, 1865 at $3.50, 1873 arrows at $2, 1874 arrows at $1.50, and common dates in the 1880s at $0.75.
Wayte Raymond's 1945 Standard Catalogue of United States Coins valued the proof 1858 at $12.50. The 1861 and 1865 were $7.50, higher than any other dates between 1860 and 1891. The 1873 arrows at $5.00 and the 1874 arrows at $3.00 proofs did not carry a premium. Common dates in the 1880s were valued at $2. The entire 35 coin proof set was valued at $132.50.
Currently the arrows dates have a substantial premium due to the strong influence of type collectors while the 1861 and 1865 proofs have a relatively small premium. As of 2014, the fair market value of the complete set of 35 proofs in PR63 condition is estimated at $36,000 per Numismedia.
