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The Certified 1847 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar graded XF45 by PCGS is a classic and historically rich example of mid-19th century American coinage. As part of the Seated Liberty dollar series struck between 1840 and 1873, the 1847 issue reflects the evolving economic conditions, growing westward expansion, and numismatic artistry of antebellum America. With its Extra Fine 45 grade, this coin retains sharp design elements, clear legends, and strong eye appeal, while showing honest wear from limited circulation. Its PCGS certification confirms its authenticity and grade, making it a sound choice for collectors focused on 19th-century U.S. silver coinage.
The obverse of the 1847 Seated Liberty dollar features the elegant image of Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a Liberty pole capped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand and supports a shield with her right. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed across the shield. This neoclassical design, originally created by Christian Gobrecht, symbolizes the values of freedom and defense of liberty. In XF45 condition, Liberty’s figure remains sharply defined, with visible drapery folds, well-outlined limbs, and discernible facial features. The stars surrounding Liberty are mostly sharp, and the date “1847” at the bottom is bold and fully legible.
The reverse of the coin presents the heraldic eagle of the United States, a prominent motif during this era. The eagle is perched with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left—representing peace and military readiness. A shield covers the eagle’s chest, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOL.” circle the perimeter. In this PCGS XF45 example, the eagle’s feathers remain mostly visible, especially on the wings and legs, though softly worn on the breast and tips. The denticles and lettering are full and clear, contributing to the coin’s attractive circulated appearance.
The 1847 Seated Liberty dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as evidenced by the absence of a mintmark. The mintage for this date totaled 140,750 coins, a moderate figure by the standards of the series. Unlike later issues, which saw much of their production diverted for export or melting due to bullion fluctuations, the 1847 dollar had wider domestic circulation. This adds to the appeal of circulated examples like this XF45, as many were handled in commercial transactions, giving them an authentic historical narrative. Surviving examples with original surfaces and no damage are considerably scarcer than the mintage figure might suggest.
The Seated Liberty dollar was minted in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. The coin’s edge is reeded. These specifications were consistent throughout most of the series, until the eventual introduction of the Trade Dollar in the 1870s. Coins like the 1847 issue were minted using steam-powered presses and high-relief dies, allowing for crisp detail but also leading to die fatigue and frequent die replacements. Variations in strike quality are not uncommon, but this particular example has a well-centered strike and strong definition for the grade.
The 1847 Seated Liberty dollar comes from a period of U.S. history marked by rapid territorial growth, the Mexican-American War, and the beginnings of the California Gold Rush. It circulated alongside other large silver and gold coins at a time when precious-metal coinage was vital to commerce. Large silver dollars were used in banking, international trade, and domestic transactions, though their size and weight made them less popular with the general public for everyday use. This partly explains their relatively lower mintage totals compared to smaller silver denominations.
The XF45 grade places this coin at the high end of circulated quality. It retains about 85–90% of the original detail, with wear confined to the high points and light friction across the surfaces. The coin likely saw a short period of circulation before being stored or collected. PCGS certification ensures that the coin is genuine and unaltered, with the "XF45" designation providing a reliable benchmark for collectors. The coin exhibits a pleasing natural tone, with silver-gray surfaces that may show light golden or olive highlights, depending on storage and handling history.
Seated Liberty dollars have long been collected for their large size, artistic merit, and historical significance. They also offer a manageable challenge for type and date collectors, as their overall mintage figures are relatively modest, and the series spans just over three decades. The 1847 issue is a desirable early date that falls within the pre-Civil War era, offering additional historical appeal. Its availability is somewhat limited in grades above XF, making this example especially attractive for collectors seeking a piece with strong detail and affordability compared to AU or Mint State counterparts.
Collectors value Seated Liberty dollars not only for their bullion content and eye appeal but also for their context within 19th-century economic development and numismatic progression. The series reflects a period when the United States was defining its national identity through its coinage. Changes in design elements, mint marks, and production volumes throughout the series offer rich material for study. The 1847 issue is emblematic of the pre-Gold Rush economy and the Mint’s evolving production capabilities. Its restrained mintage and long-term popularity ensure that properly graded examples like this PCGS XF45 remain consistently in demand.
In conclusion, the Certified 1847 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar graded XF45 by PCGS is an appealing and historically meaningful coin that blends numismatic artistry, commercial heritage, and certified assurance. Its sharp remaining detail, attractive wear pattern, and strong central devices make it an excellent representative of the Seated Liberty series. As a product of the early Philadelphia Mint and a witness to the era of American expansion and silver coinage prominence, this coin is a tangible link to the nation’s 19th-century past—perfect for collectors of classic silver dollars or U.S. coinage history.