Coin Profiles: The Seated Liberty Dollar

Numismatics, or the collection and study of coins, paper money and the like, is one of the oldest hobbies worldwide. At the start, it was only the royals, such as the emperors of Rome, who engaged in the hobby of coin-collecting as it was very expensive to maintain. As time passed by, coins have become more and more accessible and have become primary means of trade, thus making the common John consider this extremely rewarding hobby.

How do coin collectors get rewarded with this venture?

For one, coins are extremely saleable with their face and monetary value. However, the fulfillment that numismatists, or coin collectors get, is when they start raking in coins that have exemplary stories to tell about the time when it was circulated or the historic events that came with it.

Talking about history, the 1800s featured many significant milestones in the field of numismatics. One of the more popular coins minted during this time was the Seated Liberty Dollar. The Seated Liberty Dollar was designed by many popular names; one of them was Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1840 until he passed away in 1844. As the name suggests, the Seated Liberty features Liberty sitting on a rock with her flowing robes. On the other side, it features an eagle holding an olive branch with its right claw and three arrows with its left claw.

There are two-versions of the Seated Liberty Dollar – the first design in 1840 does not reflect any motto at the reverse side where they bald eagle is located. There is another design that went out on 1866, which contains the motto “In God We Trust” reflected in a ribbon right under the United States of America text and on top of the eagle.

The Seated Liberty Dollar is 90% silver and 10% copper and was circulated from 1840 to 1873. This coin is the last silver coin minted for that specific denomination until the Coinage Act mandated the end of the production of silver coins temporarily by 1873.

It is extremely rewarding to have a collection. The joy of being able to add more and more to your current stash is something that all collectors can relate with. Much more so when the time comes that they are able to put value to the thing they have put much effort into. If you are looking for a hobby that you’d like to embark on and you have a strong inclination towards history, then coin-collecting is for you. If you wish to look for a numismatic firm that can provide you with a wide range of options as well as resources to get you started on your coin-collecting hobby, try Colonial Acres Coins!