1859-S Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1. Rarity-2. Repunched Date. MS-63 (NGC).This is a wonderfully original example that ranks among the finest known survivors of this conditionally challenging, key date issue. Awash in warm lavender and blue-gray patina, both sides reveal iridescent undertones of gold, blue and pink as the surfaces dip into a light. Sharply struck throughout, and a delight to behold, this coin is sure to see spirited bidding among advanced collectors. Alone among San Francisco Mint Liberty Seated dollars of the No Motto type, the 1859-S is an isolated issue most examples of which were produced for a single purpose. Of the 20,000 pieces struck in total, the first 15,000 coins delivered were intended solely for export. Indeed, the San Francisco-based firm of Bolton, Barren & Co. acquired 8,985 of these coins for use in the China trade. Those examples that went overseas -- 75% of the mintage -- were invariably lost through melting. Fortunately for todays collectors, the additional 5,000 pieces making up the total mintage were retained stateside and released into circulation on the West Coast. Survivors of that delivery -- and they are few -- are usually well worn, often impaired, and constitute the majority of 1859-S silver dollars obtainable by todays collectors. Given the manner in which this issue was distributed, combined with a lack of contemporary numismatic demand, it should come as no surprise to read that the 1859-S is a formidable rarity in Mint State. Surviving almost certainly as a matter of chance, this high Condition Census example is fully Choice in quality, visually appealing, and would serve with distinction in the finest collection of Liberty Seated coinage and/or silver dollars.From The Des Moines Collection.
