Liberty Seated Dollars (1840-1873)

Liberty Seated Dollars (1840-1873)

The Liberty Seated Dollar, struck from 1840 to 1873, was the first silver dollar produced by the U.S. Mint after a hiatus of over three decades (since the early Gobrecht Dollars of 1836–1839). Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the series carries both numismatic prestige and historical weight, reflecting America’s growth before and after the Civil War.

Design & Specifications

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht

• Obverse: Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty pole topped with a cap, shield at her side symbolizing defense of freedom.

• Reverse: Heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch, with denomination ONE DOLLAR.

• Metal Content: 90% silver, 10% copper

• Weight: 26.73 grams

• Diameter: 38.1 mm (same as Trade and Morgan Dollars that followed)

Historical Significance

• Issued during a turbulent period that spanned westward expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

• Heavily influenced by the earlier Gobrecht Dollar, but mass-produced for circulation.

• Much of the production ended up exported overseas, particularly to Asia, where U.S. silver coins competed with Mexican pesos.

• The Coinage Act of 1873 ended the series and replaced it with the Trade Dollar, designed specifically for Asian commerce.

Key Dates

• Low Mintages: Most years saw small mintages, with survival rates further reduced by melting and export.