Lot 1672
1868 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 68 Cameo. Lovely blue and lilac toning. A great looking coin. One could spend a lifetime searching and not encounter a more beautiful, unashamedly original Proof Seated Liberty Dollar of any date than this Magnificent 1868 With Motto specimen. Both sides are layered in iridescent blue iridescence that provides awe-inspiring eye appeal as an encircling frame around the more potent and beautifully saturated colors that it blends into further inward towards the center. There is a faintly lilac "spotlight" of near silvery brilliance that glows from the Liberty. The eagle, too, shines forth surrounded by deep, wonderful color. As expected, the surfaces are free of even a single distracting problem, offering a deep mirror sheen that is easily readily apparent at all angles. Furthermore, one can discern bold field-to-device contrast despite the depth and beautiful tint of the original toning. Cameo frosted to a fare-thee-well! Fully struck throughout, too, this exquisite razor-sharp Proof would make a lovely addition to U.S. nineteenth century Type set or an advanced portfolio of silver dollars in top condition.
The Mint struck 600 Proof silver dollars in this year, the third date with the new motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle. All of these coins were distributed with the year's silver Proof sets, but many seem to have fallen victim to the vagaries of troubled times that led to the ruination of many a fine numismatic treasure. Some were simply mishandled by their owners. This makes locating an unimpeachable, top-end representative in today's market all the less easy. When encountered, such coins command big premiums. Well they should. Not only because of their own status as condition rarities, but also due to the elusiveness of the business strike 1868 Seated dollar in higher grades.
The Proof Seated Liberty dollar series is one of the more difficult to complete in all of U.S. numismatics. From the series' inception in 1840 through 1858, the Mint did not record the number of Proof coins struck each year. It is likely very few examples were made, particularly when one finds that there were scarcely any numismatists active in the country before the 1860s. Although mintage figures increased in 1859, collector demand remained low-key. Many Proofs struck from 1859 through 1865 were melted as unsold at year's end according to Mint records. The onrush of the Civil War in April 1861 resulted in considerable disorder and confusion at the Mint. This reduced the already limited number of collectors which further contributed to the rarity of Proof No Motto and With Motto dollars in today's market. Pop 1; the finest graded at either service.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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