1855 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar

1855 Liberty Seated dollars are scarce 19th-century type coins that are widely collected by those who enjoy old U.S. coins. Though Liberty Seated silver dollars contain nearly a full ounce of silver, they are much more important as numismatic coins than as silver bullion vessels. While some silver stackers collect 90 percent coins such as the Liberty Seated dollar regardless of their numismatic premiums, these old silver coins are worth much more for their historic significance.

Seated Liberty silver dollars were struck during the period 1840 through 1873 and were made by the Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco Mints. However, in 1855 these coins were produced only at the Philadelphia Mint and struck to the tune of a mere 26,000 pieces.

Today, 1855 silver dollars are worth between $1,250 in Very Good-8 and $7,500 in lower uncirculated grades. Liberty Seated silver dollars are difficult coins to locate in any grade, but original, uncleaned pieces are by far the most challenging to find and generally the most valuable.

When Liberty Seated dollars in the 1840s, they widely circulated and served an important purpose in domestic commerce. However, as silver prices increased during the 1850s, they were more commonly used in foreign trade.

1855 Liberty Seated dollars are made from a composition of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. They weigh 26.73 grams, contain 0.77344 ounces of pure silver, and measure 38.1 millimeters in diameter. 1855 Liberty Seated dollars were designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, who also created the other Liberty Seated coins of the mid 19th century.