1872-S Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1, the only known dies. Rarity-3-. AU-50 (PCGS).Handsome dove gray patina is enhanced by more vivid golden-apricot and lilac-blue undertones under a light. It is boldly defined overall with appreciable luster remaining. Like the 1859-S before it, the 1872-S was produced almost exclusively for export to China. Most of the 9,000 coins struck were lost when melted overseas, and survivors rank among the scarcest Liberty Seated dollars of the Motto design type. The <em>Gobrecht Journal </em>has printed several commentaries concerning the rarity of 1872-S. In March 1977, Ron Severa considered the 1872-S to be relatively common in lower grades but rare in Extremely Fine or better. In July 1982, Donald Vettel called the issue "scarce, but overrated." Dale Phelan stated that included in a bag of mostly Morgan dollars opened in 1963 were over 30 worn 1872-S Liberty Seated dollars, mostly averaging EF grade. In 1978, Dr. John McCloskey had the opportunity to examine a small hoard of about 75 different 1872-S dollars. In 1992 a client of Bowers and Merena Galleries reported owning over 65 coins of this issue. Of course, it is likely that these groups do not represent different specimens; some may have passed from one group to another.<p><p>Among students of the Liberty Seated series, opinions on this subject vary widely. Estimates have ranged from a couple of hundred pieces existing in all grades, to 1,000 or more. The Bowers <em>Encyclopedia</em> estimates 260 to 400 in circulated grades.<p>From the Midwest Cabinet.
