-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 55235
Checkout
18.jpg)
The 1859-O Certified Seated Dollar AU58 PCI is a highly sought-after coin from the Seated Liberty Dollar series, a denomination that played an important role in mid-19th century American commerce. The Seated Liberty Dollar, first introduced in 1840, was a significant coin in U.S. history, serving as the nation's primary silver dollar for nearly four decades. The 1859-O issue, struck at the New Orleans Mint, is particularly notable due to its historical significance, relatively low mintage, and strong collector demand. As an AU58 specimen graded by PCI, this coin retains nearly all of its original detail, with only slight traces of wear on the highest points.
The Seated Liberty design was created by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Inspired by classical themes, the design was intended to give American coinage a more refined and dignified appearance. The Seated Liberty motif appeared on various denominations, including half dimes, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars. By the time the 1859-O dollar was struck, the design had become a staple of U.S. coinage, reflecting both the artistic vision of the Mint and the evolving economic landscape of the nation.
The obverse of the 1859-O Seated Liberty Dollar features the iconic image of Lady Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand, a traditional symbol of freedom, while her right hand rests on a shield inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars encircle the central figure, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1859" is positioned below. The intricate details of Liberty’s gown, the shield, and the folds in the drapery contribute to the coin’s overall aesthetic appeal. On an AU58 specimen, these details remain sharp, with only minimal high-point wear visible on Liberty’s knee and breast.
The reverse of the 1859-O Seated Dollar showcases a powerful heraldic eagle, a classic emblem of American strength and sovereignty. The eagle is depicted with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing a balance between peace and military readiness. Above the eagle, the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" curves along the rim, while the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" appears below. The "O" mintmark, indicating its production at the New Orleans Mint, is positioned just above the denomination. The design is intricate, with fine detailing in the eagle’s feathers, wings, and talons, all of which are well-preserved in an AU58 example.
The 1859-O Seated Liberty Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint, which played a crucial role in producing silver coinage for the southern United States. Established in 1838, the New Orleans Mint was responsible for minting a wide variety of denominations, particularly silver and gold coins that supported commerce in the region. The 1859-O Seated Dollar is one of the final issues struck at this mint before the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, adding historical significance to this already desirable coin.
The mintage of the 1859-O Seated Dollar was relatively low, with only 360,000 pieces produced. While this figure is not the lowest in the series, it is significantly smaller than the output of many Philadelphia Mint issues. Furthermore, a large portion of these coins saw extensive circulation, making high-grade examples scarce. Many were either heavily used in commerce or melted down over time, further reducing the number of surviving specimens. As a result, well-preserved AU58 examples, like this PCI-certified coin, are highly sought after by collectors.
The Certified 1859-O Seated Dollar AU58 PCI is a near-mint state coin that retains most of its original detail. An AU58 grade signifies that the coin has only the slightest traces of wear, primarily on the highest points of the design. In most cases, an AU58 specimen will appear uncirculated to the naked eye, with strong luster and sharp details. While minor friction can be detected under magnification, the overall appearance of the coin remains outstanding, making it a highly desirable example of this historic issue.
The obverse of an AU58 specimen should display a crisp and well-defined portrait of Liberty, with all major details intact. The folds of her drapery, the letters on her shield, and the stars surrounding her should remain clear and legible. The fields should exhibit strong luster, with only minor traces of contact or handling marks visible upon close inspection. The slightest wear may appear on Liberty’s knee and breast, but these areas should still retain much of their original mint frost.
The reverse of an AU58 specimen should feature a fully struck and highly detailed eagle, with individual feathers visible on the wings and chest. The olive branch and arrows should remain distinct, with no excessive wear affecting their definition. The mintmark "O" should be bold and well-defined, without any blurring or weakness. The fields should display minimal abrasions, maintaining a high level of eye appeal. Any signs of wear should be limited to the eagle’s wing tips and the high points of its breast, without significant loss of design detail.
The Certified 1859-O Seated Dollar AU58 PCI holds immense numismatic and historical value due to its connection to the New Orleans Mint, its relatively low mintage, and its exceptional state of preservation. Collectors who specialize in Seated Liberty Dollars or New Orleans Mint issues recognize the 1859-O as a key coin, particularly in high grades. The AU58 designation ensures that this specimen offers both aesthetic appeal and historical significance, making it a prized acquisition for any serious numismatist.
For collectors interested in purchasing a Certified 1859-O Seated Dollar AU58 PCI, reputable numismatic dealers, auction houses, and specialized coin retailers provide the best sources. Ensuring that the coin is properly certified and authenticated by a recognized grading service such as PCI, PCGS, or NGC adds an extra layer of security. Coins in AU58 condition maintain strong market demand, as they offer nearly uncirculated quality without the higher price tag associated with full Mint State examples.
The 1859-O Seated Liberty Dollar represents an era of American coinage defined by economic expansion, westward migration, and the increasing use of silver in commerce. As one of the last major silver dollar issues struck before the Civil War, this coin holds significant historical importance. The New Orleans Mint would soon cease operations due to the conflict, making its pre-war issues particularly interesting to collectors of U.S. Mint history.
The Seated Liberty Dollar series continued until 1873, when it was replaced by the Trade Dollar, a coin specifically designed for international commerce. However, the legacy of the Seated Liberty design endures, as it remains one of the most beautifully executed and historically meaningful motifs in American numismatics. The 1859-O issue, in particular, stands out due to its Southern mint origin and its limited survival in high grades.
The Certified 1859-O Seated Dollar AU58 PCI is a remarkable example of early American silver coinage. With its near-mint state preservation, strong strike quality, and connection to the historic New Orleans Mint, it remains a highly desirable piece for collectors. Whether acquired for its numismatic significance, investment potential, or aesthetic beauty, this coin continues to captivate enthusiasts and historians alike, serving as a testament to the rich heritage of 19th-century U.S. coinage.