Numismatic

1859-O Liberty Seated Dollar MS-62 PCGS

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In 1859, the New Orleans Mint struck 360,000 silver dollars, a production run that includes this certified Mint State 62 survivor. This coin represents a fascinating era of American silver coinage, minted in the South just prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War. Crafted from 0.900 fine silver, each of these dollars contains 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse features the classic design by Christian Gobrecht, depicting Liberty seated on a rock. In one hand, she supports a staff topped with a liberty cap, while her other hand rests upon a shield inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The date 1859 is positioned directly beneath her feet. On the reverse, an eagle is depicted with wings spread, holding a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A shield is emblazoned across the eagle's chest. Below the majestic bird, the New Orleans mint mark, a distinct letter O, is visible just above the denomination, which is written as ONE DOL.