1876 Proof Seated Liberty Twenty Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$54,625 PR68 08-09-2007 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1876 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 1,260, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 5% of total 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. The 1876-CC with a mintage of approximately 10,000 is the key date — most were melted when the denomination was recognized as a failure. Only Philadelphia and Carson City struck coins for circulation. 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 $3.5K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 5 grams, 22 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5304.