Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 5/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: The coin is worn but from everything I've seen on the internet I believe I have a 1836 seated liberty dime. I was wondering if you could fill me in on what the value might be...

Tanks,
Carl

ANSWER: Hi Carl,
The seated liberty dimes start at 1837, the 1836 year would be a "liberty cap" type, with a female bust facing left instead of a seated full figure with shield.
A well worn 1836 is worth from $20 to $30, depending on exactly how worn it is.
If your coin does have the seated liberty, it is most likely an 1856. The 5 and 3 are often mistaken for each other on well worn coins. This date is worth between $10 and $20 under the same circumstances as I mentioned for the 1836. If your coin is indeed an 1856 and happens to have a small letter S just below the ribbons on the bottom of the reverse side, that would be a rare one. The San Fransisco mint variety for this year is worth $150 and up, even with heavy wear.
If you are still unsure about the coin you have, please post a follow-up question with a picture of the date side and I can give you a definitive answer.
Thanks for the question! =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your quick response. I attached the best photo that I could come up with. I'm not sure you'll be able to see many details but I do appreciate any information you can give me.

Carl

Answer
Hi Carl,
Is that a trick of the camera, or is the 3 in the date date backwards?
This is actually typical of something made by individuals not familiar with our language or numerals.
This coin is actually not worn at all, but it isn't very old either. What you have is a very crudely cast attempt at a forgery. The genuine coins are struck on a silver planchet, but this one is cast in a mold from a mix of base metals that have dull a grayish-silver color. It may have been a test run or a rookie attempt by some un-named counterfeiter. Unfortunately, it would not have a real collectible value. Auction sites like eBay will actually close an auction of something like this, unless it is clearly stamped "copy" or "replica".
I'm sorry that it did not turn to be a genuine example.
Thanks for the question! =)