💰 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto): A $92,000 Rarity Hidden in Plain Sight

The Coin That Defines Early U.S. Silver Dollar Scarcity


🏛️ Historical Significance

The 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto) is a cornerstone of 19th-century American numismatics. Struck before the addition of the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto in 1866, this coin reflects a pivotal era in U.S. history, marked by westward expansion and pre-Civil War tensions. With fewer than 1,000 Original Strike examples surviving today, it stands as one of the rarest and most sought-after silver dollars of its time.


🔍 Design & Key Identifiers

  • Designer: Christian Gobrecht, featuring the iconic Seated Liberty motif.
  • Obverse: Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and liberty cap.
  • Reverse: A majestic eagle with outstretched wings, no motto above it.
  • Mint Marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (“O”), and San Francisco (“S”).
  • Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.
  • Weight: 26.73 grams (0.773 oz of silver).

💎 Two Varieties: Original Strikes vs. Restrikes

VarietyKey DetailsSurvival EstimateValue Range
Original StrikeMinted in 1852 for circulation.<1,0002,000–2,000–92,000+
RestrikeProduced in the 1870s for collectors.~3510,000–10,000–50,000

Why Original Strikes Are More Valuable:

  • Historical Context: Circulated during the Gold Rush era, making survivors rare.
  • Auction Record: An Original Strike graded PCGS MS-64 sold for $92,014 at Heritage Auctions.
  • Restrike Rarity: Though fewer exist, they lack the historical circulation narrative, reducing demand.

📜 The Mystery of the Restrikes

In the 1870s, the U.S. Mint produced restrikes of the 1852 dollar using original dies to meet collector demand. These restrikes are identifiable by:

  • Sharper Details: Less wear on high points (e.g., Liberty’s knees).
  • Die Polish Lines: Visible hairlines from later die preparation.
  • No Circulation Wear: Most restrikes were preserved in collections.

⚠️ Red Flags & Authentication Tips

  1. Missing Motto: Ensure no “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears above the eagle.
  2. Weight & Magnet Test: Must weigh ~26.73g and be non-magnetic.
  3. Edge Lettering: Authentic coins have reeded edges (no inscriptions).
  4. Professional Grading: Only PCGS or NGC certifications guarantee authenticity.

Common Fakes:

  • Altered 1852-O or 1852-S coins with mint marks removed.
  • Counterfeits with incorrect luster or tooling marks.

📈 Market Outlook & Collector Demand

  • Original Strikes:
    • Circulated (VG-F): 2,000–2,000–10,000.
    • Uncirculated (MS-60+): 30,000–30,000–92,000+.
  • Restrikes:
    • Proof-Like (PR-63): 20,000–20,000–50,000.

Why Collectors Crave It:

  • Symbolizes pre-Civil War America’s economic ambition.
  • Key to completing Seated Liberty dollar sets.

🛠️ How to Sell Your 1852 Dollar

  1. Get It Graded: PCGS/NGC certification adds 50–200% value (100–100–300 fee).
  2. Auction Houses:
    • Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for high-grade examples.
    • GreatCollections for mid-tier coins.
  3. Avoid Scams:
    • Reject unsolicited offers; verify buyers via the ANA Dealer Directory.

📚 Learn More on PennyVerse.info


#CoinCollecting #SeatedLiberty #RareCoins
💬 Own a piece of history? Our community will help you unlock its value—no myths, just expertise.


PennyVerse.info – Trusted by Collectors Since 2010 🏛️🔍
Because every coin tells a story – especially those silent about “IN GOD WE TRUST.”


PS: That “1852 dollar in your attic”? 99.9% fake. For the 0.1% chance, contact NGC/PCGS – you might join the $92,000 club! 🏆

4 responses to “💰 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto): A $92,000 Rarity Hidden in Plain Sight”

  1. Raymond B. Catiil Avatar

    l have 2 PCs. coins. 1875. and 1876. I’m here in Philippines. this is my celpon #. 09944699158

  2. Raymond B. Catiil Avatar

    I have two pieces that coins. 1875, and 1876. I’m here in Philippines. I hope you can help me. this is my cel # 09944699158

Leave a Reply to admin Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 Comments on “💰 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto): A $92,000 Rarity Hidden in Plain Sight”

Leave a Reply to admin Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *