20 cent pieces were one of the shortest lived series of all of our coinage. Here is a pleasing circulated specimen that won't break the bank yet provides the collector with a desirable representation of the series. NGC Graded VF Details Cleaned.

The Seated Liberty coinage refers to a series of silver coins produced by the United States Mint from the late 1830s to the early 1890s. The design features a seated figure of Liberty on the obverse (front) of the coins, while the reverse (back) design varies based on the denomination. This series includes Seated Liberty half dimes, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars.

Key features of Seated Liberty coinage:

  1. Obverse Design:

    • The obverse features the figure of Liberty seated on a rock or perch, holding a staff with a Liberty cap on top. The design was created by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht.

  2. Reverse Designs:

    • The reverse designs vary based on the denomination.
      • Seated Liberty Half Dime: Denomination within a wreath.
      • Seated Liberty Dime: Denomination surrounded by laurel wreath.
      • Seated Liberty Quarter: Eagle with wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch.
      • Seated Liberty Half Dollar: Heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast.
      • Seated Liberty Silver Dollar: Various designs, including the "Gobrecht Dollar" before the regular Seated Liberty Dollar was introduced.

  3. Mint Marks:

    • Coins from this series were minted at various U.S. Mint locations, including Philadelphia (no mintmark), New Orleans (O mintmark), and San Francisco (S mintmark).

  4. Composition:

    • The early issues were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. In 1853, the weight of the half dime, dime, and quarter was reduced, and the composition changed to 90% silver and 10% copper for the dime and quarter.

  5. Series Duration:

    • The Seated Liberty coinage series was produced from the late 1830s to the early 1890s.

  6. Varieties:

    • Within each denomination, there are various design modifications and mintmark varieties.

  7. Collectibility:

    • Seated Liberty coins are collected by numismatists for their historical significance, classic design, and the fact that they span a period of significant change and growth in the United States.

  8. Condition and Rarity:

    • As with any coin series, the value of individual Seated Liberty coins depends on factors such as their condition, rarity, and demand among collectors.