Natural Toning
1854


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: SILVER DOLLARS - SEATED LIBERTY, NO MOTTO
Item Description: $1 1854
Grade: PCGS AU 58
Owner: Hagop
 
Winning Set: Natural Toning
Date Added: 4/6/2021
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Sharply struck with fully original deep blue-green, lavender, and burnt orange natural patina. Purchased from a long-time friend and fellow seated dollar collector. This was the highlight of his collection for nearly four decades. This extraordinary example has been carefully stored, retains its original skin, one could easily make a case for a Mint State grade. However, I take full responsibility for limiting their options by selecting plus only when sending this and other coins in for re-grading. It was no surprise when she was awarded a plus grade. An extraordinary naturally toned specimen of this rare date.

A pivotal issue in the Liberty Seated series, the 1854 is likely the first date of this type that served primarily in the export trade. The 33,140 circulation strikes produced were made primarily from bullion obtained from Mexico. Since the Act of February 21, 1853 did not reduce the weight of the silver dollar, the bullion value of these coins continued to exceed their face value. (The Act solved this problem for the smaller denomination silver coins by reducing their weight and making them subsidiary in reaction to rising silver prices brought about by the California Gold Rush.) Obtained at a premium from brokers on the West Coast, the vast majority of 1854 silver dollars were shipped to China by merchants in exchange for goods such as tea and silk. These exported coins were almost all subsequently melted, thereby explaining the elusiveness of survivors in all grades.

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