Numismatic

1856 Liberty Seated Quarter AU

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The year 1856 saw the production of a silver quarter dollar that beautifully captures the artistic sensibilities of mid-nineteenth-century America. Minted in Philadelphia, this twenty-five cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of the precious metal. Preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, the coin allows observers to appreciate the fine details of its original engraving. On the obverse, the figure of Liberty is depicted sitting upon a rock, her gaze directed toward the left. She holds a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom, while a semi-circle of thirteen stars arches over her to represent the original colonies. The base of the design features the prominent date of 1856. The reverse of the coin displays a powerful heraldic eagle facing left. A shield protects the bird's chest as it grasps an olive branch of peace in one talon and a trio of arrows in the other. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions indicating the nation of origin and the denomination, abbreviated as QUAR. DOL.