-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 35535
Checkout
The Seated Liberty Dollar 1847 XF represents a classic piece of mid-19th century American coinage, embodying a crucial era in the nation’s economic and political development. Struck during a time of rapid territorial expansion and rising national identity, the Seated Liberty Dollar series was the United States’ first consistent silver dollar coinage since the early 1800s. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the series ran from 1840 to 1873 and showcased a neoclassical representation of Liberty, intended to reflect the strength and ideals of the young republic. The 1847 issue, produced at the Philadelphia Mint, offers collectors an excellent opportunity to own an early silver dollar from a series that would come to define American coinage for decades.
The obverse design of the 1847 Seated Liberty Dollar features the allegorical figure of Liberty seated upon a rock, facing left. She holds a Union shield in her right hand, symbolizing national unity and defense, and a pole topped with a Phrygian cap in her left hand, symbolizing freedom. Thirteen stars encircle the design, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date “1847” is located at the bottom. In Extra Fine condition, Liberty’s facial features, gown folds, and shield details remain well-defined, showing moderate yet even wear. The high points, such as Liberty’s knee and the cap, show soft flattening but retain sharp outlines, and the surfaces display a pleasing, natural silver-gray patina, often lightly accented by peripheral toning.
The reverse of the coin portrays an imposing heraldic eagle with wings spread, a shield covering its chest, an olive branch in its right talon symbolizing peace, and arrows in its left talon representing preparedness for war. Above the eagle appears the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and beneath it is the denomination “ONE DOL.” The reverse design balances strength and grace, tying the nation’s ideals to its coinage. On an XF example, the feathers on the eagle’s wings, head, and legs remain largely visible, though the highest relief areas show minor flattening. The fields are generally smooth, with minor circulation marks expected for the grade but no major distractions, preserving the coin’s overall aesthetic appeal and historical integrity.
The Philadelphia Mint was the sole producer of Seated Liberty Dollars in 1847, as branch mints had not yet begun striking silver dollars. The reported mintage for the year was 140,750 coins, a modest number that reflects the limited domestic demand for silver dollars at the time. Silver coins were often hoarded or used in foreign trade, especially in Asia, where American silver dollars were highly valued. Many coins from the era were subsequently melted or lost, reducing the surviving population available to collectors today. While not the rarest date in the series, the 1847 issue remains relatively scarce in Extra Fine and better grades, making it a desirable piece for those seeking examples from the early years of the Seated Liberty Dollar series.
The Seated Liberty Dollar series underwent minor changes throughout its production, but the 1847 dollar retains the original design features without the addition of a motto above the eagle. The "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto was not added until 1866, making the earlier "No Motto" issues like the 1847 particularly significant for collectors who specialize in classic U.S. silver coinage. These early dollars represent the nation's numismatic artistry before the profound changes brought on by the Civil War, and owning one provides a tangible connection to a formative period in American history, bridging the era of Manifest Destiny with the coming storm of sectional conflict.
In terms of condition, the Certified Seated Liberty Dollar 1847 XF offers an appealing combination of historical authenticity and solid detail retention. Liberty’s gown lines, facial profile, and shield details remain boldly outlined, and the reverse eagle’s wings and shield display considerable definition. Wear is even across both sides, with no distracting scratches, dents, or signs of cleaning, important factors that enhance the coin’s desirability. The natural patina adds depth and character to the surfaces, often accompanied by light iridescent highlights around the rims. Collectors seeking originality and strong visual appeal will find this XF example particularly attractive, offering a window into the coin's time in circulation while retaining the artistry and symbolism intended by its designer.
Acquiring a Seated Liberty Dollar from the 1840s is a significant achievement for many collectors, particularly given the historical backdrop of the coin’s production. The year 1847 saw the continuation of the Mexican-American War, westward migration along the Oregon Trail, and the early rumblings of social reform movements across the United States. Silver dollars from this period often circulated alongside Spanish and Mexican coins, reflecting the interconnectedness of the Western Hemisphere’s economies. A surviving 1847 dollar in Extra Fine condition, like this one, offers more than just silver content—it offers a piece of living history, a witness to the dynamic changes sweeping across a rapidly growing nation.
The appeal of the Seated Liberty Dollar series lies not only in its classical design and historical significance but also in its relative scarcity and collectibility. Each surviving coin carries its own story, often bearing the light marks and gentle wear of genuine use in commerce during a time of national expansion and transformation. The 1847 dollar is particularly attractive for collectors assembling date sets or type sets of classic silver dollars, providing a strong representative of the pre-Civil War period and the original No Motto type. Coins in Extra Fine condition like this one strike a fine balance between affordability and detail, offering most of the design’s beauty without the prohibitive cost associated with higher mint-state grades.
The Seated Liberty Dollar 1847 XF continues to be a cornerstone piece for serious collectors of 19th-century U.S. coinage. With its combination of neoclassical design, rich American historical context, relatively low mintage, and well-preserved condition, it offers an exceptional opportunity for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike. Whether displayed as part of an advanced silver dollar collection or appreciated individually for its artistic and historic merit, this coin stands as a tribute to the craftsmanship of the early U.S. Mint and the enduring spirit of a growing republic. Its beauty, authenticity, and story ensure that it will remain a treasured piece in any collection for generations to come.