USA 1 dollar Seated Liberty 1850
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 1 dollar |
| Krause number | KM# 71 |
| Mintage | 7,500 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| thickness | 2.8 mm |
| diameter | 38.1 mm |
| weight | 26.73 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Star
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Coat of arms
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
ONE DOL.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
The discovery of vast gold deposits in California in 1848-49 drove down the price of that metal in relation to silver, and for the next few years the bullion value United States silver coins was higher than their face value. This almost certainly accounts for the low mintages of 1850-52. The 7,500 pieces coined at the Philadelphia Mint represent the smallest production since the series' inception in 1840. Even so, this date is not as rare as its mintage suggests, with Osburn and Cushing estimating a total population of 400 pieces. Though few examples are seen in grades below Very Fine, an indication of quite limited circulation, a fair number survive in the higher circulated grades and lower Mint State grades. Gems are unknown for this issue. Most unworn coins are semi-prooflike, which is understandable given how little use the dies saw. In fact, just a single die pair produced the 1850(P) silver dollars, and its reverse was still serviceable after previously having struck pieces dated 1848 and 1849. The numeral 0 is repunched on the obverse die, but as the only one employed it does not qualify as a variety.Read More
