Numismatic

1856 Liberty Seated Quarter XF

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This silver quarter from 1856 offers a window into mid nineteenth century American coinage. Struck in Philadelphia, the coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of the precious metal. It represents the classic Liberty Seated series, a design created by Christian Gobrecht that circulated widely during this era. The obverse features a graceful depiction of Liberty seated and looking toward the left. In her hand, she supports a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. This central figure is framed by an arc of thirteen stars along the rim, with the year 1856 clearly inscribed below her feet. On the reverse, a powerful eagle is depicted facing left, clutching an olive branch of peace in one talon and a trio of arrows in the other. The surrounding inscription reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while the denomination is abbreviated at the bottom as QUAR. DOL. This particular specimen survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the fine details of Gobrecht's iconic mid-century engraving.