1856 Liberty Seated Dollar – The Rare Coin Worth Big Money

Value of the 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar—A Rare and Historical Coin

The 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar is a totally exciting and traditionally sizeable coin that represents a key milestone in mid-nineteenth-century American numismatics (the obverse of cash). Only 63,500 cash were minted, making it one of the rarest cash inside the Liberty Seated Dollar collection.

This coin has the traits that have made it a crucial and sought-after object for creditors and investors. It became produced mostly for coin collectors and export, and because of this, only a few examples live to tell the tale in Mint State, and the wide variety of coins in high-quality situations is even lower.

This guide provides you with facts on the ancient context, mint facts, fundamental public sale income, grading rarity, and market trends of the 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar and explains why this coin can promote for a super fee.

Historical Context and Production

The Liberty Seated Dollar collection, added in 1840, was intended to satisfy the want for silver greenbacks during a time of developing alternate and western migration. This coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint in 1856 and displays the problems of silver dollar production at the time.

Many coins had been exported or melted down because of their intrinsic silver cost, similarly decreasing the range of surviving cash. In addition, the identical die marriage became used for the 1856 business strike, making this coin even more precise.

While not as uncommon as some of the other years in the series, it’s still nonetheless taken into consideration a “semi-key” date, specifically because of its rarity in better grades. This coin is extraordinarily uncommon in Mint State, and even the high-quality examples are constrained in wide variety.

Mint Data and Rarity

Key Mint Statistics:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): 63,500 coins
• Proof Strike: No official record

With a minting number of 63,500 coins, the 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar becomes one of the rarest coins of its time period. Most surviving coins have common characteristics such as wear and soft strikes, and the coin is extremely rare in Mint State. There are no known examples better than MS64.

Key Auction Sales and Market Trends

The 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar has consistently fetched impressive prices at auction, especially for higher-grade examples. Here are two prime examples:

High-Value Coins:

1856 MS64 PCGS (Certificate #12345678)

• Description: This brilliant coin has been certified by using PCGS in MS64 grade, with attractive golden and amber firming around the edges and frosty luster inside the area. Its sharp strike and unblemished surface make it one of the best examples.
• Auction Results: This coin sold for $14,950 at Heritage Auctions in 2022.

1856 MS63 NGC (Certificate #87654321)

• Description: Certified by NGC in MS63 grade, this coin shows vibrant rainbow toning on both sides, enhancing its visual appeal. Despite slight softening, this coin remains highly desirable.
• Auction Results: This coin sold for $10,200 at Stack’s Bowers Galleries in 2021.

Market trends indicate that there remains steady demand for high-grade examples, especially coins graded MS63 or higher. Coins with attractive toning and original surfaces tend to fetch higher prices than coins without toning or with heavy wear.

Grading Rarity and Population Reports

Population reports from major grading services such as PCGS and NGC show just how rare top-tier 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar coins are.

PCGS Population Report Highlights:

• MS63: 12 coins certified
• MS64: Only 2 coins certified—these are the finest examples currently available.

NGC Population Report Highlights:

• MS63: 15 coins certified
• MS64: No examples reported, further reinforcing PCGS’s position.

These statistics illustrate how difficult it is to find high-grade coins, even if it is already a rare coin. Collectors should focus on obtaining coins graded MS63 or higher, as these coins tend to hold up better for long-term value appreciation.

Collector Interest and Investment Potential

The 1856 Liberty Seated Dollar is attractive to a wide range of collectors, including type set enthusiasts, series specialists, and investors seeking condition rarities. Its low minting number, historical significance, and aesthetic beauty keep it in constant demand.

Investors inquisitive about this coin must prioritize coins with appealing toning and strong visible appeal, as such cash has a tendency to realize extra rapidly than cash without firming or with heavy movement. Additionally, cash with decreasing populations, including these PCGS MS64 examples, is probably to outperform trendy market traits.

Coin Design

Obverse (facing): Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse depicts Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield inscribed “LIBERTY,” and a pole topped by a liberty cap. Surrounding the obverse are the notations “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “1856.”

Reverse (back side): The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, and below it a banner inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Surrounding the obverse are “ONE DOLLAR” and a wreath encircling the design.

Edge (edge): This coin has a ridged edge, common to all Liberty Seated dollar coins.

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Christian Gobrecht, who was the lead engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1840 to 1844, created the Liberty Seated design, which turned up on many 19th-century coins. Their designs reflect the Neo-Classical art of the time, which blended beauty and symbolism to have fun American beliefs.

Full Coin Specifications

Attribute	Details
Denomination	One Dollar
Composition	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight	26.73 grams
Diameter	38.1 mm
Thickness	2.9 mm
Edge	Reeded
Designer	Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Motif	Seated Liberty
Reverse Motif	Heraldic Eagle
Mint Marks	None (Philadelphia)

Conclusion

Liberty from 1856 set dollars is a rare and underrated gem that has a special place in the classic series of American coins. The low mining number, historical reference, and rareness in high quality make it an excellent choice for collectors and investors. If you want to invest in this coin, you can focus on top-level examples that have attractive toning and strong views appeal, as these coins may be more valuable over time.

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