1847 $1 AU50 PCGS号6934

Q. David Bowers

The following narrative, with minor editing, is from my "Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia" (Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., 1993).

Coinage Context

Mint busy: The Philadelphia Mint was busy this year and turned out large numbers of silver coins of all denominations. Apparently, the silver supply problem had lessened somewhat. However, as is true of other years, silver dollars were only struck to the order of bullion depositors specifically requesting them.

Numismatic Information

Circulated grades: The 1847 is one of the most common of all Liberty Seated dollars of the 1840-1865 no-motto type. In 1963 when I was sorting through quantities of unattributed worn Liberty Seated dollars from the great Treasury release, I found more of this date than of any other early issue. However, in terms of appearances on the numismatic market, the 1842 and 1843 are more plentiful today.

Mint State grades: This issue is available in Mint State, and when seen is apt to be very frosty. From the beginning of the series to 1847, it is the date most often seen MS-60 or above. Still, it is scarcer in Mint State than the mintage figure suggests.

Varieties

Circulation strikes:

1-6. Normal Date: Breen-5438. Known with at least six obverse variations among pieces made for circulation, such varieties differing from one another by their date position in relation to the base of Liberty and the border denticles.

Circulation strike mintage: 140,750; Delivery figures by month: June: 2,750; August: 75,500; September: 40,000; December: 22,500.

Estimated quantity melted: Unknown

Characteristics of striking: Usually well struck Known hoards of Mint State coins: None

Commentary

The 1847 Liberty Seated dollar was made in large quantities and is common today in circulated grades.