Liberty Seated Dollar (1836 - 1873)

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The Liberty Seated Dollar, a true testament to the artistry and heritage of U.S. coinage, was struck from 1836 to 1873. With its timeless design by Christian Gobrecht and enduring legacy, this coin captures the essence of 19th-century America. Initially introduced through patterns and trial strikes in the late 1830s, the Liberty Seated Dollar became a standard of circulating coinage in 1840.

Key Specifications

  • Designer: Christian Gobrecht
  • Issue Dates: 1840–1873
  • Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
  • Diameter: 38.1 mm
  • Weight: 26.73 grams (412.50 grains)
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Business Strike Mintage:
    • No Motto (1840–1865): 2,890,563
    • With Motto (1866–1873): 3,597,888
  • Proof Mintage:
    • No Motto: Fewer than 5,500
    • With Motto: 6,060

Design Overview

Obverse

The obverse features Miss Liberty seated gracefully on a rock, holding a liberty cap atop a pole in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right.

  • Inscriptions Include:
    • LIBERTY
    • Thirteen stars surrounding
    • Date below

Reverse Designs

  • No Motto (1840–1865):

    • A perched eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and preparedness.
    • Encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and ONE DOL. below.

  • With Motto (1866–1873):

    • Features the same design as the earlier reverse but includes the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above the eagle.

Historical Context and Mintages

  1. Early Production (1836–1839):

    • Limited patterns and trial strikes marked the introduction of the Liberty Seated design.

  2. Standard Circulation Begins (1840):

    • Regular production commenced at the Philadelphia Mint, with the obverse featuring stars for the first time.

  3. Civil War Era and Design Updates (1866):

    • In response to the nation’s evolving sentiments, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse in 1866, marking the transition to the “With Motto” type.

  4. Mintages and Rarity:

    • Annual mintages were modest, seldom exceeding 100,000 coins. Key dates, including the 1851, 1852, 1858, and 1873-CC, are highly sought after. The 1866 No Motto and 1870-S are legendary rarities.

  5. Limited Circulation:

    • These large silver dollars were unpopular in the Eastern U.S. and circulated more widely in the West, where population densities were lower.

Type Breakdown

Type 1: No Motto (1840–1865)

  • Description:
    • The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, surrounded by stars and the date below.
    • The reverse displays an eagle perched on an olive branch with arrows, framed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOL.
  • Collectibility:
    • Common issues are available in grades from Fine to Very Fine.
    • Extremely Fine and AU coins are scarcer, with strictly Uncirculated examples being rare.
    • Proofs, available from 1858–1865, are coveted among collectors.

Type 2: With Motto (1866–1873)

  • Description:
    • The reverse includes the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, signifying the post-Civil War era.
    • Mintages remained modest, with only the 1871 and 1872 issues considered relatively common.
  • Collectibility:
    • Coins in Fine to Very Fine grades are typical, while Extremely Fine pieces are less common.
    • AU and Uncirculated coins are rare, and superb Uncirculated examples are exceptionally scarce.
    • Proofs exist for all Philadelphia Mint issues and are valued in line with their original mintages.

Why Collect Liberty Seated Dollars?

  • Historical Significance:

    • As one of America’s first standardized silver dollars, this coin represents a pivotal era in U.S. monetary history.

  • Timeless Design:

    • The Liberty Seated motif and its transition from the “No Motto” to “With Motto” varieties showcase evolving artistry and national identity.

  • Collector Demand:

    • From affordable mid-grade examples to ultra-rare keys like the 1873-CC or 1870-S, there’s something for every collector.

Shop Liberty Seated Dollars at ParadimeCoins.com

Explore an extraordinary selection of Liberty Seated Dollars at ParadimeCoins.com. Whether you're pursuing an elusive key date or a beautifully preserved example, our inventory caters to both seasoned numismatists and passionate collectors. Begin your journey into the rich history of American coinage today!