Exact ‘freckled’ detail on both sides of your dime that makes it worth $192,000 – but you must have the correct year

AMONG numismatics treasures is the 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime, recently valued at an astonishing $192,000.

The coin’s worth, however, is not only determined by its rarity but by a distinctive feature — a remarkable freckled patina that has captivated collectors.

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2020 Heritage Auctions

2020 Heritage Auctions

This dime was certified MS67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service and endorsed by the Certified Acceptance Corporation and is the finest of its kind, as reported by Heritage Auctions .

The 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime is already recognized as an exceptionally rare coin.

As numismatist August G. Heaton observed in 1893, “The 1860-O dime is a very small issue, exceedingly rare, and a great prize.”

Indeed, with a mintage of only 40,000 pieces, the 1860-O has long been considered a key issue in the Seated dime series and a notable rarity among all Seated coinage.

Its scarcity is especially pronounced in Mint State condition, making any surviving examples highly sought after by collectors.

Gerry Fortin, an expert on the Seated Liberty Dimes, notes, per Heritage Auctions, that “this date is scarce in the lower circulated grades and often comes porous due to examples being dug out of the ground.”

Fortin further emphasizes its rarity in higher grades: “Rare in problem-free EF-AU and becomes extremely rare in Mint State.

“One of the key dates to the Liberty Seated Dime series.”

A KEY DETAIL

While its rarity is certainly a factor, what sets this specific 1860-O dime apart is its extraordinary freckled patina.

At first glance, the coin’s surface appears to have a light-golden hue.

However, under closer inspection, an intricate array of colors emerges, featuring blue, red, and deep-umber accents.

These vibrant colors are particularly noticeable around the coin’s sharp devices and in the tiny openings of vivid blue, especially at the reverse margins, per Heritage Auctions.

The coin’s satin-smooth and lustrous surface is beautifully enhanced by this unique, freckled patina, which provides a distinct character unmatched by any other 1860-O dime.

The color variations are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also speak to the coin’s history and preservation.

What is a die break or error on a coin?

What causes such defects on coins and why are they so rare to find?

A die break, also known as a cud, is an error on a coin that is formed when a die, (a metallic piece that is used to strike a coin) is missing a piece near the rim.

When dies strike coins, they have a heavy impact and pressure and the metal from the blank part of the coin, known as the planchet, overlaps the area left by the missing piece of the die.

Coins with such deformities are rare thanks to the strict quality control measures at the US Mint.

When such errors do occur, they are often caught and destroyed.

However, those that slip through the net become huge collector’s items worth much more than their face value.

Source: Littleton Coin Company

The light-golden patina, combined with the vivid blue and red accents, is the result of natural toning — a process that occurs when the silver surface of the coin reacts with its environment over time.

This toning has resulted in an incredibly unique freckled appearance that has enchanted collectors, adding a layer of desirability to an already rare coin, according to Heritage Auctions.

THE STORIED PAST

The journey of this particular 1860-O dime is almost as remarkable as its appearance.

It has passed through numerous renowned collections, including those of Allen Lovejoy, the Stellar Collection, and the Bender Family Collection.

Each time the coin has come to auction , it has fetched a substantial sum — over $50,000 in both 1995 and 1996, a record for the issue at the time.

As the sole finest known example of its kind, the 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime stands out not only for its high grade but also for the unique freckled detail that has earned it a place in numismatic history, Heritage Auctions reports.

The 1860-O dime is a very small issue, exceedingly rare, and a great prize.

August G. Heaton Leading numismatist

It represents a singular opportunity for collectors, both for those specializing in Seated dimes and for anyone who appreciates 19th-century rarities.

MAJOR CASH

The combination of its rarity, exceptional preservation, and striking freckled patina makes this 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime truly invaluable.

Certified as the finest of its type, with no higher-graded examples known to exist, it embodies the essence of numismatic excellence, according to Heritage Auctions.

As the finest certified example, it represents not only a key piece in the Liberty Seated Dime series but a rare artifact of American history, deserving of its $192,000 valuation.

There are several other coins to keep an eye out for — many of which may be of certain high value.

The U.S. Sun has reported on a gold coin that is selling for $930,000.

Plus, see the exact date of a $7,000 coin for which the price continues to rise.