1875 Proof Seated Liberty Twenty Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,200 PR67 06-23-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1875 Proof Seated Liberty Twenty Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Seated Liberty Twenty Cents 1875-1878 series. With a mintage of 2,790, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 2nd of 5 mint variants by mintage, with less than 1% of production. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right and the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings. First and primary year of the Twenty-Cent Piece. Struck at Philadelphia, Carson City, and San Francisco. Public confusion with the quarter was immediate due to the similar size and reeded edge. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $3.4K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 5 grams, 22 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5303.