1860 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar

1860 Liberty Seated dollars are scarce silver coins that are widely collected by individuals who pursue 19th-century United States coinage. Liberty Seated silver dollars were originally designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht in the late 1830s, and the first was officially struck in 1840. Gobrecht designed several coins bearing the Liberty Seated motif, including the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar – all of which saw production during a time generally spanning the late 1830s through early 1890s.

Liberty Seated silver dollars were struck from 1840 through 1873 and were produced in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City. However, in 1860 they were struck at only the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints. Liberty Seated silver dollars primarily circulated during the 1840s and 1850s. As silver bullion prices increased during in the late 1850s and early 1860s, the Liberty Seated dollar transitioned into a coin used mainly for foreign trade.

1860 Liberty Seated dollars were struck at both the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints. Here is a look at the mintage figures for each issue:

• 1860, 217,600 minted; $300 to $2,100

• 1860-O, 515,000; $300 to $2,000

• 1860 proof, 1,330; $4,500

Price ranges are from a low grade of Very Good-8 through Mint State-60 unless otherwise stated.

Liberty Seated dollars are generally tough to find in original, uncleaned condition; even altered pieces are challenging to find, and thus the collector often must decide if he or she would rather enjoy a small discount on buying a damaged Liberty Seated dollar or pay a slight premium for a nice, problem-free specimen.

1860 Liberty Seated dollars are made from a composition consisting of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. Each silver dollar contains 0.77344 ounces, or nearly a full ounce, of pure silver. They measure 38.1 millimeters in diameter and weigh 26.73 grams, which means they are just as large and heavy as the Morgan and Peace silver dollars popular with collectors and investors.