1856 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1, the only known dies. Rarity-2. Repunched Date. AU-55 (PCGS). A seldom offered 1850s silver dollar issue in desirable PCGS-certified Choice About Uncirculated preservation. Abundant satin luster remains to surfaces that are also boldly struck in many areas. Isolated softness is very common on circulation strike Liberty Seated dollars, the 1856 and 1857 being the two dates from the 1850s that are most often seen with this feature. A dusting of iridescent champagne-gold toning adorns both sides and further enhances the eye appeal.<p>The Philadelphia Mint produced 63,500 silver dollars in 1856 at the request of bullion depositors, the vast majority of which were used in export trade to Europe or, more likely, China, where many were melted. The extant population in all grades is on the order of just 200 to 350 coins (per Q. David Bowers, <em>A Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coins</em>, 2016). Mint State examples are more rumored than real as far as most collectors are concerned, placing extraordinary numismatic demand on the few attractive AU survivors such as the coin offered here. Sure to see spirited bidding among advanced numismatists specializing in silver dollars or Liberty Seated coinage.<p><p>
