1866 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. Motto. Proof-67+ Cameo (PCGS). CAC. This awe-inspiring specimen really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Both sides are beautifully and originally toned with halos of antique copper, cobalt blue and sandy-mauve patina swirling around circular areas of brilliance in the centers. The cameo finish is strong and pronounced with frosty, razor sharp design elements set against a backdrop of deep reflectivity in the fields. Expertly preserved and bordering on numismatic perfection, only the strongest bids will be competitive when this phenomenal condition rarity crosses our auctioneers block.<p>The 725 Proof silver dollars that the Philadelphia Mint struck in 1866 were distributed as part of the years silver Proof sets. This issue ushered in the Motto variant of the basic Liberty Seated dollar type, which would prove to be a brief one that remained in production only until 1873, when the Act of February 12, 1873 abolished the standard silver dollar. As a first year issue, the popularity of the Proof 1866 silver dollar as a type coin knows no bounds, especially among collectors of high grade coinage who recognize the rarity of the circulation strike 1866 in Mint State. Regarding the Proof 1866 Motto, of course, only a fraction of the survivors are so carefully preserved that they approach or attain even the Gem Proof-65 grade level. In premium quality Superb Gem preservation this is an exceptional coin for its quality and eye appeal.
