The Coin That Defines Early U.S. Silver Dollar Scarcity
šļø Historical Significance
The 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto) is a cornerstone of 19th-century American numismatics. Struck before the addition of the āIN GOD WE TRUSTā 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.
š Design & Key Identifiers
- Designer:Ā Christian Gobrecht, featuring the iconicĀ Seated LibertyĀ motif.
- Obverse:Ā Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and liberty cap.
- Reverse:Ā A majestic eagle with outstretched wings,Ā no mottoĀ above it.
- Mint Marks:Ā Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (āOā), and San Francisco (āSā).
- Composition:Ā 90% silver, 10% copper.
- Weight:Ā 26.73 grams (0.773 oz of silver).
š Two Varieties: Original Strikes vs. Restrikes
Variety | Key Details | Survival Estimate | Value Range |
---|---|---|---|
Original Strike | Minted in 1852 for circulation. | <1,000 | 2,000ā2,000ā92,000+ |
Restrike | Produced in the 1870s for collectors. | ~35 | 10,000ā10,000ā50,000 |
Why Original Strikes Are More Valuable:
- Historical Context:Ā Circulated during the Gold Rush era, making survivors rare.
- Auction Record:Ā An Original Strike gradedĀ PCGS MS-64Ā sold forĀ $92,014Ā at Heritage Auctions.
- Restrike Rarity:Ā Though fewer exist, they lack the historical circulation narrative, reducing demand.

š 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:Ā Less wear on high points (e.g., Libertyās knees).
- Die Polish Lines:Ā Visible hairlines from later die preparation.
- No Circulation Wear:Ā Most restrikes were preserved in collections.
ā ļø Red Flags & Authentication Tips
- Missing Motto:Ā EnsureĀ no āIN GOD WE TRUSTāĀ appears above the eagle.
- Weight & Magnet Test:Ā Must weigh ~26.73g and be non-magnetic.
- Edge Lettering:Ā Authentic coins have reeded edges (no inscriptions).
- Professional Grading:Ā OnlyĀ PCGSĀ orĀ NGCĀ certifications guarantee authenticity.
Common Fakes:
- Altered 1852-O or 1852-S coins with mint marks removed.
- Counterfeits with incorrect luster or tooling marks.
š Market Outlook & Collector Demand
- Original Strikes:
- Circulated (VG-F):Ā 2,000ā2,000ā10,000.
- Uncirculated (MS-60+):Ā 30,000ā30,000ā92,000+.
- Restrikes:
- Proof-Like (PR-63):Ā 20,000ā20,000ā50,000.
Why Collectors Crave It:
- Symbolizes pre-Civil War Americaās economic ambition.
- Key to completing Seated Liberty dollar sets.
š ļø How to Sell Your 1852 Dollar
- Get It Graded:Ā PCGS/NGC certification addsĀ 50ā200% valueĀ (100ā100ā300 fee).
- Auction Houses:
- Heritage AuctionsĀ orĀ Stackās BowersĀ for high-grade examples.
- GreatCollectionsĀ for mid-tier coins.
- Avoid Scams:
- Reject unsolicited offers; verify buyers via theĀ ANA Dealer Directory.
š Learn More on PennyVerse.info
- Free Guide:Ā Download ourĀ āSeated Liberty Dollar Checklistā.
- Expert Help:Ā Post photos in ourĀ ForumĀ for free evaluations.
#CoinCollecting #SeatedLiberty #RareCoins
š¬ Own a piece of history? Our community will help you unlock its valueāno myths, just expertise.
PennyVerse.info ā Trusted by Collectors Since 2010 šļøš
Because every coin tells a story ā especially those silent about āIN GOD WE TRUST.ā
PS: That ā1852 dollar in your atticā? 99.9% fake. For the 0.1% chance, contact NGC/PCGS ā you might join the $92,000 club! š
4 responses to “š° 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto): A $92,000 Rarity Hidden in Plain Sight”
-
l have 2 PCs. coins. 1875. and 1876. I’m here in Philippines. this is my celpon #. 09944699158
-
wow
-
-
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
-
wow
-
Leave a Reply to admin Cancel reply