Legend Numismatics

HomeAuctionsHeritage Auctions – Seldom Seen Selections: Gem Proof 1837 No Stars Dime

Heritage Auctions – Seldom Seen Selections: Gem Proof 1837 No Stars Dime

1837 proof dime - Imaged by Heritage Auctions

Chief Engraver William Kneass suffered a stroke before he could finalize the design for the Seated Liberty motif, which replaced the Capped Bust design on U.S. silver coinage in the late 1830s. The talented Christian Gobrecht took over the project and completed the design, based on earlier contributions from Kneass, Thomas Sully, and Titian Peale.

The Seated Liberty obverse design appeared first on the famous Gobrecht dollars in 1836, followed by the dime and half dime in 1837, the quarter in 1838, and finally, the half dollar in 1839. Gobrecht’s initial obverse design was a masterpiece of simplistic beauty, with no stars around the border, giving the coin an uncluttered, medallic look that creates intense aesthetic appeal. Thanks to its simplicity, the entire design could be engraved into the hub, leaving only the date logotype to be punched in by hand.

Among dime issues, the No Stars obverse was used only on the 1837 and 1838-O emissions. Accordingly, the No Stars obverse is always in demand as an important two-year type issue.

Walter Breen notes 30 Proof Seated Liberty dimes were struck on June 30, 1837, to serve as presentation pieces to demonstrate the new design to Treasury officials and other VIPs. The proofs show a diagnostic small tine of metal from the dentils above the first T in STATES and a diagonal die scratch through (STAT)ES and O(F). The No Stars design was a favorite of early numismatists, and the proofs apparently started appearing at auction at least as early as 1859.

Our June 6-9 Long Beach Signature Auction features a delightful Premium Gem Proof, graded by NGC, with sharply detailed design elements and reflective fields, under medium-intensity shades of jade-gold and cobalt-blue toning. The surfaces are impeccably preserved and eye appeal is outstanding. The 1837 No Stars Seated Liberty dime is extremely rare at the PR66 grade level, and the only one coin has been certified finer at either of the leading grading services.

Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctionshttps://www.ha.com/
Heritage Auction Galleries is one of the world's largest collectibles auctioneers. Besides offering rare and valuable U.S. and world coins and currency, Heritage offers ancient coins, exonumia, antiques, comic books, sports memorabilia, and many other collectibles. The firm is based in Dallas, Texas.

Related Articles

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stacks Bowers Auction

AU Capital Management US gold Coins

NGCX Holders and Grading