Seated Liberty Silver Dollars: A Classic Coin with Strong Value
For coin collectors, Seated Liberty silver dollars can make collecting especially rewarding. This holds true whether someone hopes to acquire one silver dollar or plans to build a full set. Beyond its recognizable appeal, this classic issue also has exceptional value in better condition.
The following explains why enthusiasts and coin appraisers have valued this issue, and what can make it worthwhile to collect.
Why Are Seated Liberty Silver Dollars Iconic?
What is meant by describing Seated Liberty silver dollars as iconic?
An iconic item is broadly recognized and regarded as exceptional. It is familiar and well-liked, particularly within collecting circles. Because these coins were minted from 1839-1891, comparatively few survive in high-grade condition. That scarcity is a particularly compelling consideration for collectors adding a Seated Liberty silver dollar.
In addition to its appeal to collectors, it was a popular US type coin because of its 90% silver content. As with other pieces minted during the 1800s and early 1900s, Seated Liberty issues from the Carson City Mint have been especially sought after and have tended to command higher values.
An iconic coin is distinctive and clearly different from more ordinary issues. Knowledgeable collectors appreciate this silver dollar’s history, artwork, and value.
History of the Coin
During the early decades following the first Coin Act of 1792, silver dollars were struck only when private individuals provided the metal and received coins in exchange. Production of silver dollars then ended in 1804.
At that point, silver dollars posed a major problem: their metal value often exceeded the denomination stamped on them. As a result, people melted the coins, cut them apart, or sold them abroad. Under those circumstances, the U.S. Mint was producing coins without a corresponding benefit for people in the United States of America.
Two years afterward, President Thomas Jefferson made it official – silver dollars would not be newly struck for the foreseeable future.
In 1831, however, President Andrew Jackson authorized new silver dollars, which began being struck in 1836. Following President Jackson’s approval, output reached full scale in 1840.
How does the Seated Liberty silver dollar enter this history?
The United States Mint struck this silver dollar beginning in 1840 and continued until 1873. A notable historical detail is that the motto “In God We Trust” appeared in 1866 and was added to other U.S. coins around the same period.
Following 1873, the Mint ceased producing circulation coins for the United States and instead made trade dollars for overseas commerce. Later, in 1878, it resumed making silver coins for domestic use, beginning with the Morgan silver dollar.
Design
Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht designed the obverse of the Seated Liberty silver dollar, although the image had appeared before. It was used on the front of the Gobrecht Dollar beginning in 1836.
The following year brought another version of that design to the half dime, quarter, and half-dollar.
The original concept followed directions from then-Mint Director Robert M. Patterson. The director
sought a coin showing Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding the cap Romans gave to freed slaves. Thomas Sully received the assignment first, but Gobrecht later produced the design.
Gobrecht’s obverse was reused on Seated Liberty silver dollars. His flying-eagle reverse, however, gave way to John Reich’s earlier left-facing perched eagle, shown with a shield before it.
Obverse
On the obverse, Lady Liberty is seated on a large rock. She raises a pole topped by a liberty cap. Her right hand holds a shield bearing the word “Liberty.” Thirteen stars appear above the figure, while the date appears below.
Reverse
The reverse depicts an eagle perched on an olive branch and holding arrows. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” appear above it. The denomination below is written as “ONE DOL.”
Mintage
Across the years 1840-1873, when this dollar was minted, a total mintage of 6,487,747 entered circulation. Most were made at the Philadelphia Mint, which struck 5,465,463 coins.
At publication, The issues minted at Carson City – with a combined mintage of 18,584 across all years – are rare and popular with committed collectors. The San Francisco Mint struck just 29,712 Seated Liberty silver dollars total. After Philadelphia, The New Orleans mint produced the next-largest total, at 974,000 coins.
Coin SpecificationsAt publication,
These specifications can help with identifying authentic Seated Liberty silver dollars. Examine the piece, then weigh and measure it against the details below. If uncertainty remains about whether it is genuine rather than fake coins, ask your trusted precious metals dealer.
Face value: $1
Weight: 28.73 g
Diameter: 38.1mm
Precious metals makeup: 90% silver, 10% copper
Silver content: 0.77344 troy ounces
Minted at: Philadelphia (no mintmark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC)
Edge: Reeded
The original article invited readers to view a complete Seated Liberty Dollar set HERE.
Seated Liberty Silver Dollar Value
These silver dollars are both iconic and valuable; the original article stated that their value increased over time. It also characterized their precious-metal value as minor compared with collector value.
At the time of publication, Seated Liberty silver dollars were described as ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, or potentially more. The article identified the 1870-S as the highest-priced example and among the rarest collector coins, noting that only 12 were known to have been made.
As noted earlier, Carson City Seated Liberty one-dollar coins were also described as highly valuable because of low mintages. At the time of publication, higher-grade examples were said to trade regularly in the tens of thousands of dollars, particularly when certified by NGC or PCGS.
Beyond monetary considerations, many collectors also value these coins for their historical design and story.
A coin’s story can make sharing a collection more enjoyable. Collectors can discuss details including the origin of Gobrecht’s design and the later addition of “In God We Trust” to this and other coins from that era. They can also explain the coins’ rarity and the value growth described in the original article.
Collecting and Selling Seated Liberty Dollars
At the time of publication, buying and selling Seated Liberty silver dollars was described as requiring patience. Many issues were extremely rare or simply difficult to find. The article said that a rare-coin expert could be helpful and that Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers used industry contacts to locate requested coins.
When this article was originally published, Atlanta Gold & Coin reported carrying several types of silver dollars, including the Seated Liberty dollar and in our inventory for you to purchase. The original article invited readers to sign up for notifications if a sought coin was out of stock, stating that inventory was updated regularly.
At the time of publication, Atlanta Gold & Coin stated that silver-dollar sales came with transparent, fair pricing. The article also said its coin experts would ensure buyers received an authentic example of the Seated Liberty dollar they sought.
At publication, When originally published, the article reported that Atlanta Gold & Coin purchased a broad range of silver, gold, platinum, and palladium coins and bullion. It stated that mail-in service was offered and readers could call to schedule an in-person selling appointment. For transparency, it also said the business listed its up to date buying rates on our website.
At the time of publication, readers were invited to contact Atlanta Gold & Coin through phone or email for information on buying or selling coins and bullion with local dealer Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers. The original article stated that the business looked forward to assisting with collecting goals.
