1878 Proof Seated Liberty Twenty Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$24,725 PR65 CAC 03-31-2011 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1878 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 600, this is an extremely rare issue. 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. Final proof-only year with approximately 600 specimens. The denomination was formally discontinued, one of the shortest-lived in U.S. coinage history. 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. Estimated market value is approximately $5.6K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 5 grams, 22 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5306.
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