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The Seated Liberty Dollar 1872-S is an important and historically significant coin from the Seated Liberty series, which was minted between 1840 and 1873. This series played a crucial role in the economic landscape of the United States during the 19th century, particularly in the years leading up to the discontinuation of the silver dollar for domestic use. The 1872-S Seated Liberty Dollar is one of the last issues of the series and was struck at the San Francisco Mint, making it a key coin in both numismatic and historical terms. The "S" mintmark signifies its production at a mint that primarily served the western United States, where silver and gold from California and Nevada played a vital role in commerce.
The Seated Liberty design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who served as the third Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. His design was part of a broader movement to modernize American coinage, bringing a more refined and classical aesthetic to U.S. coins. The Seated Liberty motif was inspired by Britannia, which had long appeared on British coinage, and sought to symbolize the strength and freedom of the United States. The Seated Liberty Dollar remained in circulation until 1873, when the Coinage Act of 1873 effectively ended the production of standard silver dollars in favor of the Trade Dollar, which was intended for international commerce.
The obverse of the 1872-S Seated Liberty Dollar features a majestic depiction of Lady Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand, a symbol of freedom and resistance against oppression. Her right hand rests upon a striped shield inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," representing the nation’s defense of its values. Surrounding the central figure are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1872" is prominently displayed at the bottom. On a coin in VF (Very Fine) condition, this design remains clearly visible, though moderate wear has softened some of the finer details, particularly in the folds of Liberty’s gown and on the shield.
The reverse of the 1872-S Seated Liberty Dollar showcases the heraldic eagle, a longstanding symbol 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. This imagery reflects the nation’s commitment to both peace and military readiness. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" curves along the upper rim, while the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" is inscribed below. The "S" mintmark, denoting its San Francisco origin, is placed above the denomination. In a VF condition example, the eagle remains well-defined, though some wear is evident on the high points of the wings and breast feathers.
The 1872-S Seated Liberty Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint, one of the most important minting facilities of the 19th century. The San Francisco Mint was established in 1854 to process the vast amounts of gold and silver being mined in the western United States. Unlike many Philadelphia Mint issues that remained in government vaults, San Francisco Mint silver dollars were actively used in commerce, particularly in the booming economies of California, Nevada, and the broader Pacific trade network. Many of these coins were circulated heavily, making well-preserved examples rarer and more valuable today.
The mintage of the 1872-S Seated Liberty Dollar was approximately 9,000 pieces, making it one of the lower-mintage issues in the series. This limited production run contributes to the coin’s desirability among collectors, as relatively few examples survive today. The majority of these coins entered circulation and experienced extensive wear, which makes high-grade examples extremely difficult to find. Many were also melted down over the years, further reducing the surviving population of 1872-S Seated Dollars.
A Seated Liberty Dollar from 1872-S in VF condition exhibits moderate wear across its surfaces, though the major design elements remain clearly visible. A coin in this grade has seen circulation but has not been excessively worn to the point where details are completely lost. While some of the finer intricacies in Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers have been smoothed by wear, the overall design remains well-defined. The rims should be intact, with no major nicks or damage, and the inscriptions should be fully legible.
The obverse of a VF specimen should still display a well-proportioned Liberty figure, though wear will be visible on the high points of her gown, shield, and hair. The liberty pole and cap should still be discernible, but the finer lines may be somewhat faded. The thirteen stars surrounding the figure should be well-defined, though minor flattening may be present. The date should remain bold and legible, with no significant loss of clarity. The fields of the coin may show some light abrasions or marks, but no major damage that detracts from the overall visual appeal.
The reverse of a VF specimen should feature a still-distinct heraldic eagle, with the wings and tail feathers retaining much of their original detail. The texture of the olive branch and arrows should be visible, though some light wear on their surfaces may be present. The "S" mintmark should be clear and well-defined, confirming its San Francisco origin. The lettering of "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" should remain sharp and readable. Any surface marks should be relatively minor, ensuring that the coin maintains a pleasing aesthetic appeal.
The Seated Liberty Dollar 1872-S holds considerable numismatic and historical value due to its connection to the San Francisco Mint, its low mintage, and its status as one of the last silver dollars struck before the series was discontinued. Collectors who focus on Seated Liberty Dollars or western mint issues recognize the 1872-S as a key coin, particularly in collectible condition. While higher-grade examples command substantial premiums, even VF examples are highly sought after due to the overall scarcity of this issue.
For collectors interested in acquiring a Seated Liberty Dollar 1872-S in VF condition, reputable numismatic dealers, auctions, and online marketplaces provide the best sources. It is essential to verify the authenticity of the coin, particularly given its historical importance and the potential for counterfeits. Coins with strong strikes, even wear, and minimal surface distractions tend to command the highest premiums among VF examples.
The 1872-S Seated Liberty Dollar represents an era of American coinage characterized by economic expansion, the importance of silver in trade, and the growing influence of the San Francisco Mint. As one of the last issues before the discontinuation of the Seated Liberty Dollar, it holds a special place in numismatic history. The transition to the Trade Dollar in 1873 marked a shift in U.S. monetary policy, making pre-1873 silver dollars even more desirable to collectors.
The Seated Liberty Dollar series remains one of the most elegant and historically significant coin series in American numismatics. The 1872-S issue, in particular, is notable due to its connection to the western U.S., its relatively low mintage, and its role in a rapidly evolving economy. The combination of artistic beauty, historical context, and numismatic rarity makes it a treasured addition to any collection.
The Seated Liberty Dollar 1872-S VF is a remarkable representation of 19th-century American silver coinage. With its well-preserved details, connection to the San Francisco Mint, and historical significance, it remains a highly sought-after piece. Whether acquired for its numismatic value, investment potential, or aesthetic appeal, this coin continues to captivate collectors and serve as a lasting testament to the rich heritage of early American silver dollars.