Numismatic

1840-1873 Liberty Seated Dollar VG

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Introduced for general circulation in 1840, the Liberty Seated silver dollar represents a fascinating era in American currency. This substantial coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, minted at a purity of 90 percent. Over its production run, which lasted until 1873, the coin transitioned from a standard domestic circulating medium into a highly valued commodity. By the 1850s, the precious metal within these coins actually surpassed their one-dollar face value, prompting many of the later issues to be utilized predominantly in international export trade. The visual design, created by Christian Gobrecht, presents a classic allegorical scene on the obverse. Lady Liberty is depicted sitting on a rock, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests on a shield. The reverse side features a heraldic eagle perched upon an olive branch, clutching three arrows in its talons, with a shield emblazoned across its chest. This particular specimen survives in Very Good condition, showing honest wear from its time in the channels of nineteenth-century commerce.