By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes ….
Silver dollar coinage resumed in 1840 with the Liberty Seated design. For the first decade of the denomination’s reintroduction, the Philadelphia Mint handled the coinage exclusively for most years. In 1846, the New Orleans Mint would strike 59,000 pieces and in 1850, the southern port city struck another 40,000 pieces. Demand for the large silver coin did not increase as the 1850s unfolded, and the Philadelphia Mint served as the exclusive dollar-producing Mint from 1852 to 1858.
Historical Production Insights
The 1854 Liberty Seated Dollar saw Philadelphia striking a total of 33,140 coins, all minted on a single day, June 29. This concentration of production reflects the efficiency and skill of the minting process during that period, highlighting the technological advancements of the time.
The Mint producing all these coins in one day also underscores the demand for silver dollars during this era and the capabilities of the mint workers in meeting those production needs with precision and quality.
Market Trends and Collectibility
Despite being a relatively rare coin in Mint State conditions, the 1854 Liberty Seated Dollar has seen steady certification data from grading services like PCGS and NGC. The coin’s underrated rarity adds to its desirability among collectors, especially given its historical significance and limited mintage.
One interesting point to note is that the number of PCGS-graded Mint State 1854 Liberty Seated Dollars is fewer than the count of 1893-S Morgan Dollars, indicating the scarcity and demand for this particular coin among numismatists.
Design and Specifications
The obverse of the 1854 Liberty Seated Dollar features a classic representation of Liberty in flowing robes, seated on a rock. The reverse displays an eagle with wings partly spread, holding an olive branch and three arrows. This design symbolizes the values and principles of the United States during the mid-19th century.
The specifications of the coin, including its silver content, weight, and diameter, reflect the standards of the time and showcase the craftsmanship of the Mint in producing such a fine piece of currency.