1854 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1. Rarity-3+. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.This is a truly exceptional representative of this challenging issue. The lilac-grey surfaces are adorned by scattered traces of olive and tobacco patina in a testament to originality. This coloration is complemented by substantial traces of pearlescent mint luster glistening in the fields and protected regions. The strike is impressively sharp and the complexion is entirely without distracting blemishes. An attractive example that approaches Mint State preservation in many respects. <p>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 numismatic circles, and in all grades. Original, high grade examples are particularly rare and usually appear at auction only once in a very long while. Clearly we anticipate strong competition for this piece among astute collectors specializing in both Liberty Seated coinage and silver dollars.PCGS Population: 13; just 27 finer through MS-66.