1871 Seated Liberty Dollar

The Seated Liberty Dollar debuted in 1840 to replace the Gobrecht Dollar. Christian Gobrecht designed the coin using the same motif he created for smaller denominations. The obverse shows Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a liberty cap. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with wings spread. Gobrecht worked as the Chief Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint and earned the commission due to his long tenure and technical skill. In 1866, the Mint added the motto 'In God We Trust' to the reverse above the eagle. This change followed the Civil War and reflected a shift in national sentiment. The series ended in 1873 when the Coinage Act of 1873 removed the silver dollar from production. This act paved the way for the Trade Dollar, which the government designed specifically for commerce in Asia.

Focus on coins in Very Good or Fine condition to keep costs manageable for your budget. The 1846-O and 1859-S are expensive rarities, so start your collection with common dates like 1871 or 1872. Watch for cleaned or polished surfaces, as many of these silver coins lost their original luster to improper maintenance. Counterfeits exist for the key dates, so buy only coins graded by reputable third-party services like PCGS or NGC.

This series includes key dates — check individual coin pages for rarity details.