1859-S Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1. Rarity-2. Late Die State. AU-50 (PCGS). A fully original example, and rare for an AU 1859-S dollar, as such. Both sides exhibit subtle powder blue and antique gold undertones to dominant sandy-gray patina. Softness of strike in isolated areas is typical of the issue, but most design elements are sharply rendered. Scattered marks are also par for the course in a survivor of this challenging issue, a few light scuffs in the upper reverse field perhaps worthy of individual attention. In its earliest die state, the OC-1 is a bold Repunched Date variety. The present example represents a later die state (OC Die State c), however, after die polishing has removed all evidence of the repunching to the digits 18. There is also a faint die crack at the base of the date.<p>Among Liberty Seated dollars of the No Motto type, the 1859-S is an isolated issue as a product of the San Francisco Mint with most examples produced for a single purpose. Of the 20,000 pieces struck, the first 15,000 coins delivered (on May 11) were paid out to bullion depositors who fed the coins into the export trade. The 1859-S is very scarce in all grades, and rare in problem free and fully original AU and Mint State preservation. This visually appealing piece is sure to catch the eye of discerning Liberty Seated dollar enthusiasts.<p><p>
