The 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar, without the “In God We Trust” motto, holds a special place in U.S. coin history. It was the last of its kind before a significant design change occurred that introduced the motto, which remains a hallmark of American coins today. Collectors prize these coins due to their rarity, design, and historical context, making them one of the most sought-after pieces from the 19th century. Let’s dive into the details of this coin, its significance, and what makes it so valuable.
Historical Background of the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar
The Seated Liberty Dollar series began in 1840 and continued through 1873, featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in one hand and a staff with a liberty cap in the other. This design was symbolic of America’s liberty and the nation’s struggle for freedom.
In 1866, the U.S. Mint made a significant change to the coin’s design by adding the motto “In God We Trust” to the reverse of most coins. This decision was influenced by the country’s experiences during the Civil War, with many people believing that including a reference to God on national currency would reflect the moral resolve of the nation. However, a few 1866 Seated Liberty Dollars were struck without this motto, making them extremely rare and highly collectible.
Design of the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar
The obverse of the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar features the figure of Lady Liberty seated on a rock, facing left. She holds a shield in her right hand, symbolizing defense, and a pole with a liberty cap in her left, representing freedom. Above her are 13 stars, representing the original colonies, and the year “1866” appears at the bottom.
The reverse showcases an American bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch. The absence of the “In God We Trust” motto on the reverse is what sets this particular coin apart from later issues. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” surround the eagle, completing the design.
Rarity and Value
The 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar without the motto is extremely rare, with very few known to exist today. The absence of the motto makes this version of the coin more valuable than its counterparts from the same year. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for well-preserved examples of these coins, as they represent a transitional period in U.S. coinage history.
As of today, the value of these coins can range from several thousand dollars for lower-grade examples to over $100,000 for those in mint condition. Factors that affect the coin’s value include its grade, rarity, and historical significance.
Why Is There No Motto?
The absence of the motto on the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar can be attributed to the timing of the design changes at the U.S. Mint. While most 1866 coins featured the motto, a small number of coins were struck using older dies that did not include the phrase “In God We Trust.” These coins were likely made early in the year before the new design was fully implemented.
Collectibility of the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar
For coin collectors, the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar without the motto is a must-have item, not only for its rarity but also for its connection to a significant historical period. The transition to adding the “In God We Trust” motto marked a shift in the nation’s values and beliefs following the Civil War. As a result, this coin is considered both a historical artifact and a work of art.
Collectors seeking this coin should be aware of its rarity and the high demand for it among numismatists. Because of its historical importance and limited availability, prices for this coin tend to remain high, especially for well-preserved specimens.
Conclusion
The 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar without the motto “In God We Trust” is a fascinating piece of American history. Its design, historical context, and rarity make it one of the most valuable and collectible coins in the United States. Whether you are a seasoned coin collector or just beginning to explore the world of numismatics, this coin holds significant appeal due to its unique place in the evolution of U.S. coinage.
Coin Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1866 |
| Design | Seated Liberty (No Motto) |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm (1.5 inches) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (No mint mark) |
| Designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| Value Range | $3,000 – $100,000+ |
TWH News Home
FAQs
1. Why does the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar have no motto?
The absence of the motto is because the coin was struck before the U.S. Mint adopted the motto “In God We Trust” on most coins in 1866.
2. How rare is the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar without the motto?
It is extremely rare. Only a few coins without the motto were struck, making it a highly valuable collector’s item.
3. What affects the value of the 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar?
Factors include its condition (grade), rarity, and whether it has the motto. Coins without the motto are generally more valuable.
4. What is the design of the Seated Liberty Dollar?
The coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield and a liberty pole. The reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings holding arrows and an olive branch.
5. How much is a Seated Liberty Dollar from 1866 worth?
The value ranges from a few thousand dollars for lower-grade coins to over $100,000 for those in mint condition.