Numismatic

1857 Liberty Seated Quarter AU

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The United States silver quarter from 1857 offers a captivating glimpse into the nation's mid-nineteenth-century coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of the precious metal. It represents a classic era of American numismatic design, showcasing the artistry of Christian Gobrecht. On the obverse, Lady Liberty is depicted sitting and facing to her left. She holds a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom, while thirteen stars arch above her to represent the original colonies. The date 1857 is clearly inscribed at the bottom. The reverse features a powerful eagle with its wings spread, facing left. In its talons, the eagle grasps an olive branch of peace alongside three arrows of defense. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions denoting the issuing nation, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the denomination, abbreviated as QUAR. DOL.