Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1840-1865
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 26.73 grams (412.50 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 2,890,563
Proof Mintage: Fewer than 5,500

Following the production of an illustrious series of Liberty Seated pattern dollars in 1836, 1838, and 1839, the Liberty Seated style was first produced for large-scale circulating coinage in 1840. From then through 1865 coinage was continuous. The design parallels that of other Liberty Seated issues. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding in her left hand a liberty cap on a pole and with her right hand holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars are above, and the date is below. The reverse shows an eagle perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and ONE DOL. below.

Within the 1840-1865 span there are a number of scarce and rare issues, with 1851, 1852, and 1858 designated as major rarities. More common issues are readily available in grades from Very Good through Extremely Fine, with most survivors being in Fine to Very Fine grade. As silver dollars were not circulated as extensively as other denominations, few are seen in grades below Very Good. AU coins are available as are Uncirculated pieces, particularly 1859-O and 1860-O in the latter category (survivors from a small group of coins which came to the light during the Treasury release of 1962). Superb Uncirculated pieces are rarities. Proofs were first distributed to collectors in 1858 and are available from that date through 1865, although scattered earlier issues occasionally come on the market.