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The Certified 1871 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar graded F15 by NGC represents a classic example of America’s large silver coinage from the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. Part of the Seated Liberty series struck between 1840 and 1873, the 1871 issue was produced during a time of shifting monetary policy and declining use of silver dollars in everyday commerce. Although minted in moderate quantities, many 1871-dated dollars were lost to melting or heavy circulation, making certified and problem-free examples like this one increasingly desirable. The F15 grade from NGC ensures that the coin retains all major design elements with clear outlines and moderate, even wear consistent with its age.
The obverse of the 1871 Seated Liberty dollar features the iconic design by Christian Gobrecht. Liberty is portrayed seated on a rock, facing left, holding a Liberty pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand while her right rests on a shield inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” This classic image symbolizes both freedom and national strength. Surrounding Liberty are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and the date “1871” is inscribed below. In the F15 grade, Liberty’s figure is well-defined in outline, with most major elements still visible. Some finer details such as facial features and folds in the gown show wear, but the shield, pole, and cap are readily distinguishable. The rims are strong and complete, and the stars and date remain clear and prominent.
The reverse features the heraldic eagle design common to U.S. coinage of the mid-19th century. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left, signifying the dual themes of peace and military readiness. A shield is positioned over the eagle’s chest, and above the eagle is a field devoid of the “In God We Trust” motto, which was not yet standard on these coins. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOL.” circle the coin’s outer edge. In F15 condition, the reverse details are somewhat worn but remain easily recognizable. The eagle’s wings, beak, and tail are outlined, and elements of the arrows and olive branch are still discernible. The lettering is full and strong, and the coin’s reeded edge is complete.
The 1871 Seated Liberty dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only U.S. Mint facility to produce business strike dollars of this date. No mintmark appears on the coin. The official mintage for 1871 totals 193,500 pieces, a relatively limited figure for a circulating coin. Much of the mintage was eventually removed from circulation through hoarding, melting, or export, particularly as silver bullion values fluctuated in the early 1870s. As a result, certified examples in collectible condition are increasingly scarce, especially when they display strong originality and no signs of cleaning or damage. This certified F15 piece offers a pleasing balance of affordability and preservation.
Each 1871 Seated Liberty dollar was struck on a planchet composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. These coins were struck using steam-powered presses and designed for both domestic circulation and use in international commerce. Their substantial silver content made them suitable for export, where they were accepted in trade across Latin America and the Far East. Domestically, however, the Seated Liberty dollar saw less frequent use by the general public due to its high face value and large physical size, making it more common in bank and government transactions than in daily commerce.
The year 1871 sits in a transitional period of American monetary history. Following the Civil War, the nation was attempting to return to the gold standard after years of issuing fiat paper money. Silver coins had disappeared from circulation during the war and were only gradually returning to use in the late 1860s and early 1870s. The Seated Liberty dollar, however, faced declining popularity due to bullion competition and its impracticality for daily transactions. By the time the 1871 issue was released, the government had already begun considering new trade coinage, which would culminate in the introduction of the Trade Dollar in 1873, effectively replacing the Seated Liberty dollar for export purposes.
NGC’s F15 grade confirms that this 1871 Seated Liberty dollar has seen moderate wear but retains enough detail to be both attractive and historically compelling. In this grade, collectors can still enjoy the full design outlines, bold date and legends, and problem-free surfaces. It is considered a mid-grade circulated coin—above the lower Very Good and Good levels that often lack visible device detail—yet more affordable than higher-grade examples in Extremely Fine or About Uncirculated condition. The surfaces of this coin likely exhibit smooth, even wear with possible natural toning, enhancing its antique appeal and reflecting honest circulation rather than mishandling or cleaning.
Collectors of Seated Liberty coinage value the series for its consistency of design, broad range of mintmarks and dates, and connection to significant periods in U.S. history. The 1871 issue is especially important as one of the last few years before the silver dollar series was suspended in favor of the Trade Dollar. Philadelphia-minted dollars from this period often lack the rarity of their Carson City or New Orleans counterparts but remain important to any complete Seated Liberty collection. This F15 example offers a historical artifact at an accessible price point, with NGC’s certification providing security and confidence in its authenticity and preservation.
The Seated Liberty series as a whole is a favorite among advanced collectors and historians due to its link to pivotal eras in American development. From its early antebellum years through the Civil War and Reconstruction, the coin reflects evolving minting practices, economic change, and the symbolic values of a growing nation. The 1871 date in particular represents a moment of continued optimism and national rebuilding, making this coin not only a piece of numismatic art but also a window into post-war American life and commerce. A well-circulated example like this offers charm and historical substance without the cost of higher-grade or low-mintage rarities.
In conclusion, the Certified 1871 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar graded F15 by NGC is a well-preserved, mid-grade example from a transitional year in American numismatics. With its iconic design, modest mintage, and certified authenticity, it appeals to both type collectors and those building date sets. The coin’s remaining detail, natural wear, and historical resonance make it a standout piece for those who appreciate tangible links to the nation's 19th-century silver coinage and economic history. It is a solid, affordable choice for any serious U.S. coin collection.