Semi-Numismatic

1891-S Liberty Seated Quarter Fine

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The year 1891 marked the final chapter for one of America's most enduring coin designs. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this Liberty Seated quarter represents the culmination of a design era that spanned over half a century. Crafted from 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of approximately 0.1788 troy ounces, this piece survives in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated in the late nineteenth century. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse of the quarter features the iconic figure of Lady Liberty. She is depicted sitting upon a rock, her gaze turned back as she holds a staff topped with a liberty cap. Her other hand rests upon a shield adorned with the word LIBERTY. The year 1891 is anchored at the bottom, marking the very end of this historic design run. On the reverse, a powerful eagle is displayed with a shield draped across its chest. The bird grips three arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing the young nation's readiness for defense and its desire for peace. Surrounding the eagle are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination, abbreviated as QUAR. DOL. Just beneath the eagle, the distinct S mint mark indicates its origin from the San Francisco facility, making this coin a fascinating artifact of Western minting history.