Numismatic

1858 Liberty Seated Quarter Fine

---

The 1858 Liberty Seated quarter is a fascinating window into mid nineteenth century American coinage. Minted in Philadelphia, this twenty five cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of the precious metal. Surviving today in Fine condition, the coin displays the honest wear of a piece that once circulated widely in daily commerce before the American Civil War. On the obverse, the design by Christian Gobrecht presents Lady Liberty in a seated position. She holds a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests upon a shield, symbolizing both freedom and defense. The year 1858 is clearly inscribed below her feet. The reverse side of the coin features a powerful eagle perched upon an olive branch, grasping three arrows in its talons. A shield is positioned across the bird's chest, echoing the protective theme from the obverse. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions denoting the nation of origin, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", and the abbreviated denomination, "QUAR. DOL."