1856 Liberty Seated Dollar: A Collector’s Guide to Spotting This Rare Coin

1856 Liberty Seated Dollar: A Scarce and Valuable Coin

The 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar is one of the collectible and historic coins that holds a precious function amongst numismatists of America. The coin isn’t only a fragment of the historical American past; however, it is very much a high-priced coin in the eyes of collectors. Lead identification of this coin is more than only a count number of analyzing off the date. This may additionally or won’t be remembered by you, in case you are both a new coin collector or a pro investor. Knowledge of the way to identify this unique coin will gain you.

Feature	Details
Mintage	Approximately 63,500 pieces minted at the Philadelphia Mint.
Metal Composition	90% Silver, 10% Copper.
Weight & Diameter	26.73 grams; 38.1 mm diameter.
Obverse Design	Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole and shield marked “LIBERTY.”
Reverse Design	Heraldic eagle holding olive branch and arrows. Lacks the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Mint Mark	No mint mark (Philadelphia only).
Common Strike Issues	Weak details on Liberty’s head and stars 8-10; eagle’s right leg often weak.
Estimated Value Range	$450 (VG-8) to $5,000+ (Mint State); Proof coins can exceed $7,000.
Authentication Tips	Verify weight, dimensions, edge reeding; consult PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for professional certification.
Official Coin Info	PCGS CoinFacts – 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar

Brief History of the 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar

The Liberty Seated Dollar collection was minted from 1840 to 1873, and the 1856 coin is of the “No Motto” range (1840-1866), which didn’t have “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the reverse. The motto was changed and added in 1866. In 1856, 63,500 cash were minted, and lots of those have been melted, shipped overseas or misplaced, so this coin could be very difficult to discover in good condition nowadays.

The rarity of the coin and Christian Gobrecht’s layout work as an art piece render the coin a desired artifact amongst fans.

How ​​to Identify an 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar?

Know the Essential Aspects of the Design

Obverse:

• Central Figure: The Lady Liberty is seated on a rock, orienting to the left.
• Liberty Pole: She holds in her hand a pole on which a Phrygian cap (illustration of liberty) is present.
• Shield: She is holding a defense in her right hand where the phrase “LIBERTY” is inscribed.
• Thirteen Stars: They bear seven stars to their left and right sides and six stars in a circular pattern on the top of the coin.
• Date: Under Liberty.

Reverse:

• Organization Mark: Heraldic eagle with wings fully spread, holding an olive branch and arrows.
• No Motto: “IN GOD WE TRUST” above the eagle.
• Valuation: “ONE DOL.” is placed under the eagle.
• No Mint Mark: Since all of these were minted in the Philadelphia Mint, these lack a mint mark.

Know the Physical Specifications

• Weight: 26.73 g
• Diameter: 38.1 mm
• Edge: Reeded (vertical grooves)

Any difference from these specifications could be a sign that the coin is fake.

Note the Common Strike Weakness

Due to the minting process during this time, most 1856 dollar coins did not have a razor-sharp strike. This can be a sign of authenticity:

• Front Weakness: Liberty’s head and stars may be 8-10 weak or flat.
• Back Weakness: The right leg of the eagle will usually have less detail.

These weaknesses are traditional and not signs of harm; however, they may be used to distinguish true cash from counterfeit ones.

Verify the Coin’s Authenticity

A. Physical Test:

• Check the coin’s weight and diameter on a digital scale and calipers.
• Check for a reeded edge—counterfeit coins lack smooth edges.

B. Die Features:

• The die characteristics on the coin may also prove helpful in authenticating. Some 1856 Liberty Seated Dollars possess die cracks or specific alignment flaws.

C. Obtain Grading:

• Send the coin to professionally certified grading companies, such as
• Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
• Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
• American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS)

These corporations use superior era and experts to confirm a coin and grade it.

How ​​Much Is an 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar Worth?

The cost of an 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar relies upon on its condition and rarity.

Grade	Estimated Market Value
Very Good-8 (VG-8)	$450 – $600
Fine to VF	$700 – $1,200
Extremely Fine	$1,500 – $2,500
Mint State (MS)	$3,500 – $5,000+
Proof (PR)	$7,000 – $15,000+

• Blurred or broken cash: These are worth $35,000 to $50,000.
• Unaltered (MS60 ): These may be worth more than $100,000.
• High-grade examples (MS64–MS66): These may be valued at $180,000+.

These may increase at auction, particularly if the coin is authentic.

Tips for investors and collectors

• Purchase coins from reputable sellers: If inexperienced, purchase from certified coin sellers.
• Search for provenance: Coins with proven ownership history command a higher price.
• Store them effectively: Store coins in acid-free holders and save them in a temperature-controlled area.
• Be Current: Follow Liberty Seated Dollar auction price developments at auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers.

Conclusion

The 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar is worth more than face value; it is a prized object of American history. Its rarity, historical value, and hanging layout make the coin a terrific funding opportunity and a prize ownership for a coin collector or investor. Identifying and verifying this coin correctly can make the coin a stellar addition to your series, and the price will double, triple, and in many instances more if treated nicely.

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