The 1859 Liberty Seated Dollar is one of the prized coins among collectors, not only for its rarity but also for its historical significance.
The year 1859 marked an increase in silver mining, especially with the discovery of the Comstock Lode, which helped fuel a renewed production of silver dollars at the Philadelphia Mint.
History and Production of the 1859 Liberty Seated Dollar
The Philadelphia Mint resumed silver dollar production in 1859 after a year-long hiatus. In that year, the Mint produced a total of 256,500 Liberty Seated Dollars, most of which were intended for international trade with merchants in India and China.
There are records suggesting that part of this mintage was later melted down in 1861 to be repurposed into smaller silver coins.
Breakdown of Production Dates
| Date | Quantity | Date | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | 33,000 | October 6 | 22,000 |
| April 19 | 22,000 | October 13 | 18,000 |
| April 28 | 2,500 | October 18 | 17,000 |
| June 27 | 16,000 | October 24 | 24,000 |
| June 30 | 8,000 | October 25 | 16,000 |
| November 21 | 29,000 | November 23 | 22,000 |
| December 10 | 2,000 | ||
| Total Mintage | 256,500 |
In addition to the standard business strikes, the Philadelphia Mint also produced 800 proof coins intended for collectors. While business strikes have experienced a high attrition rate, several proof coins remain in top condition, often valued much higher than regular strikes.
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Market Value and Noteworthy Examples
The 1859 Liberty Seated Dollar is highly valued in the collector market. Prices for About Uncirculated (AU) coins typically start around $2,000, with Mint State (MS) examples commanding even higher values. Here’s a look at some notable examples:
| Grade | Population | Auction Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| PCGS MS66+ | 1 | Features beautiful green, brown, and blue toning |
| PCGS MS65 | 2 | Notable for irregular toning and strong luster |
| PCGS MS64+ | 5 | Darkly toned with antique slate-blue-green hues |
Design and Specifications
The Liberty Seated Dollar was designed by Christian Gobrecht and showcases an intricate design on both sides of the coin:
- Obverse: Features Liberty seated on a rock, draped in classical robes, with one hand holding a pole capped with a Liberty cap and the other balancing a shield with “LIBERTY” inscribed. Thirteen stars encircle the design.
- Reverse: Shows an eagle with partially spread wings holding an olive branch and three arrows, representing peace and strength. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surround the eagle, and the denomination “ONE DOL.” appears at the bottom.
- Edge: The coin has a reeded edge, a standard feature for most U.S. silver coins.
Coin Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Year of Issue | 1859 |
| Denomination | One Dollar |
| Mintmark | None (Philadelphia Mint) |
| Mintage | 256,500 |
| Alloy | .900 Silver, .100 Copper |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.10 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designers | Christian Gobrecht (based on sketches by Titian Peale and Thomas Sully) |
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Collecting the 1859 Liberty Seated Dollar
Collecting Liberty Seated Dollars from 1859 can be a rewarding experience. For those interested in investing, MS-graded coins in good condition can fetch a significant premium. The market for these coins remains strong, especially for those with unique toning and high visual appeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting, the 1859 Liberty Seated Dollar stands as a beautiful representation of American history and craftsmanship.
Editorial Note: This article was created through automated technology, with all details verified and polished by our editorial expert.