1863 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1. Rarity-3-. MS-61 (PCGS). Rare and noteworthy Mint State quality for a Civil War era Liberty Seated dollar issue that is elusive even in circulated grades. Both sides are attractively toned over surfaces that reveal a soft satin texture as the coin rotates under a light. The obverse is splashed with vivid rose and powder blue iridescence that enliven a base of antique silver-gray, while the reverse exhibits even silver-rose iridescence throughout. Striking detail is universally full, the in hand appearance uncommonly smooth for the assigned grade.<p>Silver dollar coinage recovered somewhat in 1863 after the low point reached in 1862, reflective of increased security on the part of Northern bullion brokers who required these coins for use in export trade. Indeed, virtually all of the 27,200 circulation strike silver dollars struck in the Philadelphia Mint in 1863 were sent overseas, as intended, so many in fact that this issue is only marginally more available than the lower mintage 1862 (11,540 pieces produced). In Mint State the two issues are virtually identical in rarity, each with an extant population or only 50 or so coins. Market appearances are few and far between, for these eagerly sought rarities often spend decades in tightly held cabinets. An aggressive bidding strategy is recommended for advanced Liberty Seated collectors who set their sights on this impressive Mint State 1863 dollar.
