Description
1866 $1 Motto Liberty Seated Dollar PCGS MS64PL TOP POP Only one in existence...
PCGS # 6959
Grading Service PCGS
Grade MS64
Mint Location Philadelphia
Year 1866
Designation PL
Strike Business
Grade Add On CAC
1866 $1 Motto Liberty Seated Dollar PCGS MS64PL TOP POP Only one in existence...
1866 $1 Motto
SKU: 55935422
1866 $1 Liberty Seated Dollar (Motto) — PCGS MS64PL — CAC — TOP POP
A singular opportunity for advanced and emerging collectors alike: this 1866 Liberty Seated Dollar (Motto) is certified PCGS MS64PL, approved by CAC, and stands as the Top Pop—PCGS Population: 1 in MS64PL, none higher. Combining first-year “Motto” significance with prooflike mirrors and exceptional toning, it is the only known example at this lofty level.
Why this coin stands out
Historical first: 1866 marks the inaugural year the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the Seated Liberty dollar—an important post–Civil War design change reflecting the nation’s evolving identity.
Prooflike prestige: The PL designation denotes deeply reflective fields with frosted devices, delivering striking contrast and eye-arresting flash rarely seen on business-strike Seated dollars of this era.
Top of the census: PCGS MS64PL, CAC-approved, Top Pop status. Population: 1; none graded higher. Ideal for PCGS Registry Sets and best-in-class type or date collections.
Exceptional eye appeal: Rich, vibrant toning with interplaying brown, blue, and purple hues across the surfaces. The iridescence accentuates the mirrors and enhances the already strong luster and device contrast.
CAC assurance: Endorsed by CAC for superior quality within the grade—a further validation of originality, eye appeal, and technical merit.
Historical and collector appeal
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the first year of the Motto subtype, this dollar bridges the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, offering both historical gravitas and numismatic rarity. Prooflike business strikes from this date are extraordinarily elusive; securing the sole MS64PL example is a chance to crown a Liberty Seated or 19th-century Type collection.
Specifications
Date/Type: 1866 Liberty Seated Dollar “Motto”
Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
Certification: PCGS MS64PL; CAC approved
Design: Christian Gobrecht’s Seated Liberty; heraldic eagle reverse with “IN GOD WE TRUST” on ribbon
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter/Weight: 38.1 mm; 26.73 g
Edge: Reeded
SEO keywords: 1866 Liberty Seated Dollar Motto, PCGS MS64PL, Prooflike Seated Dollar, Top Pop Seated Liberty Dollar, CAC approved, Philadelphia silver dollar, In God We Trust first year, rare Seated dollar.