1846-O Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. AU Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).

1846-O Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. AU Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).，This is one of the best produced 1846-O silver dollars that we have ever offered Both sides exhibit razor sharp to full detail over virtually all design features. The reverse is particularly noteworthy in this regard with the eagles plumage and talons crisp. The obverse is also fully detailed over all devices save for Libertys head and the surrounding stars, which still exhibit emerging to bold definition. There is pale gold toning over surfaces that retain much of the original satin to semi-prooflike finish. A historically significant issue, the 1846-O is the first mintmarked United States silver dollar. The New Orleans Mint struck 59,000 pieces that year to meet the needs of the local export trade, and most examples were promptly shipped to overseas destinations through the thriving Louisiana port. While many of these coins undoubtedly went to the Orient where they were melted, some went to Europe and were subsequently returned to the United States to pay for goods. Although produced for export purposes, the 1846-O also saw extensive domestic circulation in the Mississippi River Basin, accounting for most of the worn survivors. This issue is scarce in AU, as here, and rare in Mint State. The present example is choice relative to the stated qualifier and worthy of a solid bid.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) Angelo R. Turrini Collection sale, February 1972, lot 436. Lot tag included.，