Rare “No Motto” 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar Emerges as a Hidden Gem in U.S. Numismatics
A humble silver dollar from 1852 is making waves in the coin world — and it could be hiding in plain sight. The 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar (No Motto) recently sold for over $92,000, marking it as one of the rarest and most valuable early American silver coins.
🏛️ A Snapshot of American History
The 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar was struck before the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was added in 1866. Minted during a time of westward expansion and pre-Civil War unrest, it captures a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Fewer than 1,000 original strikes are estimated to survive — making this coin a true collector’s treasure.
🔍 Design & Key Identifiers
- Designer: Christian Gobrecht
- Obverse: Lady Liberty seated with a shield and liberty cap
- Reverse: Majestic eagle with outstretched wings — no motto above
- Mint Locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- New Orleans (“O”)
- San Francisco (“S”)
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams (0.773 oz silver)
💎 Two Versions: Original Strike vs. Restrike
| Type | Details | Surviving Examples | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Strike | Minted in 1852 for circulation | < 1,000 | $2,000 – $92,000+ |
| Restrike | Minted in the 1870s for collectors | ~35 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Why Original Strikes Are More Valuable:
- Circulated during the Gold Rush era
- Historical context enhances value
- Auction record: PCGS MS-64 Original Strike sold for $92,014
🧩 The Story Behind the Restrikes
In the 1870s, the U.S. Mint quietly produced restrikes of the 1852 dollar to meet collector demand. While rare, they lack historical circulation — and thus command lower prices.
How to Spot a Restrike:
- Sharpened details (especially Liberty’s knees)
- Visible die polish lines
- No wear — usually stored in collections from the start
⚠️ Authenticity Checklist & Red Flags
✅ No Motto: “IN GOD WE TRUST” should not appear above the eagle
✅ Weight: Should be approx. 26.73g and non-magnetic
✅ Edge: Must have reeded edge, no lettering
✅ Grading: PCGS or NGC certification is essential
🚫 Common Fakes Include:
- Altered coins with removed mint marks
- Cheap replicas with incorrect luster or surfaces
📈 Market Outlook & Collector Demand
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (VG-F) | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $30,000 – $92,000+ |
| Restrikes (PR-63) | $20,000 – $50,000 |
Why Collectors Love It:
- Iconic design and era-defining symbolism
- A must-have for completing Seated Liberty sets
- One of the few early silver dollars still missing from many collections
🛠️ Thinking of Selling? Here’s How to Maximize Value
✅ Get It Graded: PCGS or NGC certification adds 50–200% value
💼 Auction It Right:
- High-grade: Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
- Mid-tier: GreatCollections
❌ Avoid Scams: - Don’t respond to unsolicited offers
- Use the ANA Dealer Directory to verify buyers
📚 Want to Learn More?
Visit PennyVerse.info for:
- ✅ Free “Seated Liberty Dollar Checklist”
- 📸 Forum Help – Post photos for expert insights
- 🎓 Trusted by collectors since 2010
“This might be the most valuable circulated coin in early American numismatics.”
🗨️ That 1852 silver dollar in your attic?
99.9% chance it’s a replica — but for the 0.1% that’s real, you’re holding a $92,000 piece of history.
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