Numismatic

1857 Liberty Seated Quarter VF

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The year 1857 marked a fascinating era in American coinage, captured beautifully in this silver quarter dollar. Struck with a silver purity of 0.900, this piece contains 0.1788 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents a classic design era in United States currency, showcasing the artistry of the mid-nineteenth century with remarkable clarity in its Very Fine condition. On the obverse side, the figure of Liberty is depicted sitting upon a rock, her gaze directed to the left. She holds a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom. Surrounding her are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, with the year 1857 inscribed clearly at the base. The word LIBERTY is visible on the shield she holds. The reverse of the coin features a powerful eagle facing left. On its chest, the bird bears a protective shield, while its talons grasp an olive branch of peace in the right and three arrows of strength in the left. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the abbreviated denomination QUAR. DOL. encircle this central design, framing a snapshot of early American identity.